It is ok for you to import a drone whenever you want. All you are required to do is visit KCAA and get an import permit.
The permit is important because it allows your drone to be cleared for security. This means that it has been passed as safe to fly in the permitted air spaces in Kenya.
The Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2019 Act has been approved, meaning that Kenyans can now buy and operate drones without fear or breaking the law. This development is 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. The regulations have also been undergoing assessment for a very long time, having gone through a series of ups and downs over the years (you can follow the progress here).
Registration of drones
Those interested in running drones should be aware of the following registration and licensing considerations:
- The national security of the state
- Terrorism or organized crime activities
- Risk of public safety and diversion of drones to unauthorized end user
- If the application is subject of investigation in a civil or criminal case related to national security
Ownership
You are eligible to own a drone if you are a Kenyan citizen of 18 years and above. Applicants should also have a company registered in Kenya. National or county governments are also eligible for ownership.
Owners are not allowed to transfer the ownership of drones without approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
Only the national government is allowed to run drones with military specs.
Users can also apply for a temporary permit lasting up to 30 days, and can only be renewed once.
Importation of drones
People seeking to import drones must be authorized to do so by KCAA. The same applies to people exporting drones because KCAA is mandated to deregister the device.
Commercial use cases
People or companies intending to use drones for commercial applications must apply for a Remote Aircraft Operators Certificate (ROC) from KCAA.
According to the regulations, ‘the issuance of an ROC by the Authority is dependent upon the UAS operator demonstrating an adequate organization, method of control and supervision of flight operations, training program as well as ground handling and maintenance arrangements consistent with the nature and extent of the operations specified and commensurate with the size, structure, and complexity of the organization.’
Suspension
Your drone license can be suspended or canceled in the interest of public safety or national security, or for violating requirements and conditions.
General Rules for Flying a Drone in Kenya
Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Kenya.
- A Kenyan citizen or resident must be at least 18 years old in order to own and operate a drone (Applicants should have a company registered in Kenya).
- Importing or exporting drones is only allowed with the approval of the KCAA.
- A person shall not transfer ownership of a drone without the approval of the KCAA.
- Operators must register their drone with the Authority and be issued with a certificate of registration.
- All drone operations must be conducted under a specific operational category based on risk factors.
- Commercial drone operations require a pilot to obtain a Remote Aircraft Operators Certificate (ROC) from the Authority.
- Drones shall not fly above 400 feet AGL or within 164 feet (50 meters) of any person, vessel, or vehicle that is not apart of the operation.
- A pilot shall not fly a drone in non-Visual Meteorological Conditions or at night unless authorized by the Authority.
- No person shall operate an Unmanned Aircraft System over a public road or along the public road of at a distance of less than 164 feet (50 meters).
- A public roadway shall not be used as a place of landing or take-off of a drone.
- Operating a drone within 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) of an airport from the airport reference point for code C, D, E, and F airports is prohibited without authorization
- Operating a drone within 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) of an airport from the airport reference point for code A and B airports is prohibited without authorization.
For more information on Kenya’s drone laws, see this page on the KCAAA website.
Know something we don’t about drone laws in Kenya? Send us an email at support[at]uavcoach[dot]com. We are not international aviation attorneys and do our best to keep this page up-to-date for drone pilots, but the reality is that given the pace of the small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) industry and how governments are responding, drone regulations in Kenya can change throughout the year, and those changes can be hard to track. If we missed something, please reach out to let us know.
Please visit http://www.kcaa.or.ke/statutes-and-regulations/regulations to veiw the drones/RPAS regulations.
Can I fly a drone in Kenya?
A Kenyan citizen or resident must be at least 18 years old in order to own and operate a drone (Applicants should have a company registered in Kenya). Importing or exporting drones is only allowed with the approval of the KCAA. A person shall not transfer ownership of a drone without the approval of the KCAA.
How do I register my drone in Kenya?
Owning and flying drones in Kenya is now easy. Just register your drone with KCAA and start flying. Please visit http://www.kcaa.or.ke/statutes-and-regulations/regulations to veiw the drones/RPAS regulations.
What is the price of a drone in Kenya?
The current cost is KES 10,000. Copy of the drone register: KES 3,000.