The drone operation situation has been an interesting journey.
The regulations about the devices have for a long time been a subject of controversy.
Besides their slow adoption rate thanks to legal hurdles, The Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2019 Act was finally approved less than one year ago.
The development was critical for businesses and individuals that use the flying devices for a variety of functions such as photography and general digital content creation, as well as other functions such as mapping or rescue missions.
To track the development of the law, you can follow this link for more information.
And in case you are wondering how much it would cost you to run a drone in Kenya, here is the price breakdown for licensing and associated fees.
With that out of the way, The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has been given a go-ahead to execute the Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020.
The approval of the law means that the Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 will see full implementation of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulatory framework.
The law will also require potential drone owners to pay KES 3000 in registration fees.
According to Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Capt. Gilbert M. Kibe, ‘Innovation in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) has been accelerating at such an exponential rate. The capabilities of this technology are limitless – from the positives such as filming movies, documentaries, sports, weddings and delivering medicines.’
People interested in using their already imported flying devices are required to register them with the KCAA. The Authority adds that the purpose of the drones, and risk to public safety and security form the basis for consideration by the Authority in registering, issuing of approvals and authorizations for operations.
