Konza Technopolis has officially been designated as Kenya’s first National Drone Corridor, marking a groundbreaking development in the country’s aviation and technology sectors. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) granted the approval following a thorough review by the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Multi-Agency Route Committee.
The newly established drone corridor is the country’s first controlled airspace dedicated to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. This designation allows for long-range drone flights to operate safely under strict regulatory oversight, reducing risks to manned aircraft, people, and property.
Announced by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), the move is seen as a major step towards positioning Kenya as a leader in drone technology and smart city innovation in Africa. “This approval is a profound testament to Kenya’s progressive vision of becoming a global leader in smart technology and aviation innovation,” said KoTDA CEO John Paul Okwiri.
The corridor is expected to support a wide range of activities including drone testing, research, training, and real-world applications across critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare logistics, and disaster response. By enabling BVLOS operations, the corridor opens up opportunities for efficient and impactful drone use.
According to KoTDA, the corridor will be accessible to approved operators, researchers, startups, universities, and training institutions. A dedicated Corridor Operations Coordinator will oversee daily operations to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and to optimise airspace use.
“This initiative will spur significant economic growth by attracting investment and creating new opportunities,” Okwiri added. “It positions Konza as the premier destination for African tech talent and enterprise.”
Chief Manager of Physical Planning at Konza, Architect Annah Musyimi, welcomed global partnerships, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with innovators and organisations to harness drone technology for positive societal impact.”
The launch of Kenya’s first drone corridor within a smart city underlines the country’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies. It offers a controlled yet open platform for advancing unmanned flight innovation and signals Kenya’s readiness to lead in Africa’s drone revolution.
