Konza, Kenya – July 1, 2025: The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has given the green light for the establishment of the Konza National Drone Corridor, the country’s first regulated airspace dedicated to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
Initiated by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), this cutting-edge infrastructure is expected to unlock new frontiers for Kenya’s fast-growing drone ecosystem and solidify its role as a tech powerhouse in Africa.
A Leap Forward for Kenyan Drone Innovation
John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, celebrated the announcement as a milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming Africa’s leading tech and smart city hub.
“This initiative will create new jobs, attract foreign investment, and establish Konza as a destination for top-tier African tech talent,” said Okwiri.
The drone corridor, located within the Konza Smart City, is designed to: Support drone pilot training, enable academic research, accelerate real-world testing, facilitate logistics, agri-tech, and medical drone deployments
BVLOS at the Heart of the Drone Revolution
The Konza National Drone Corridor enables long-range drone operations—essential for applications such as: Crop spraying and agricultural surveys, Medical deliveries in rural areas, disaster response and rescue operations
The corridor was approved after a thorough review by the UAS Multi-Agency Route Committee, showcasing Kenya’s ongoing commitment to safe and secure drone innovation.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Innovation
This facility provides a shared, purpose-built testing ground for: Startups like Astral Aerial, drone certification institutions and universities engaged in drone research
Architect Annah Musyimi, Chief Manager at KoTDA, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships.
“We’re excited to co-create solutions with both local and global innovators committed to positive change through drone tech,” she noted.
Here’s how African startups are using drones to solve real-world problems
Why the Konza Drone Corridor Matters
This project directly supports the Kenya Digital Economy Blueprint and aligns with the national vision to integrate digital infrastructure in key sectors.
It complements:
With BVLOS permissions, drones can fly beyond the pilot’s visual range, which is critical for:
- National food security
- Affordable healthcare access
- Climate change monitoring
Join the Future of Tech at Konza
KoTDA is now calling on:
- Tech startups
- Drone solution providers
- Logistics companies
- Academic institutions
to leverage the drone zone and participate in shaping Africa’s aerial innovation future.
“With regulatory support and world-class infrastructure, this is the time to invest in Kenya’s drone revolution,” said Okwiri.
For more updates, visit the official KoTDA website or follow them on Twitter.
