The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has received the go-ahead to operationalize the Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 which was acceded to by the National Assembly on 6 March 2021.
The proposed charges had been gazetted by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Transport, James Macharia on January 22, 2021.
KCAA director general Gilbert Kibe said the gazettement of the Regulations indicated a new era in the country’s aviation ecosystem by opening up the sector to innovations.
“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.”
These charges are a reduction from the revoked rates under the Kenya Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2017.
“Under the new cost structure, Kenyans and entities wishing to own and operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems popularly known as drones will now pay a Ksh3,000 registration fee,” said KCAA in a statement.
The approval paves the way for full implementation of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulatory framework in Kenya.
The Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 categorises drones based on the risks posed by their operations, from low risks to high risks under categories, A, B and C. The purpose of the UAS, and risk to public safety and security form the basis for consideration by the Authority in registering, issuing of approvals and authorizations for operations.
In an era where privacy of persons and property is an important issue, the regulations have made provisions that ensure such discretion is respected as provided in the constitution and other national laws.
Additionally, KCAA will be undertaking public sensitisation on the application and implication of the regulations.
Moreover, KCAA will be undertaking public sensitisation on the application and implication of the regulations.
In Kenya, only citizens, residents, businesses and governments are eligible to own a drone.
This excludes foreign tourists and the only option left is to rent a drone locally. However, the law also provides for a 30-day temporary permit that may be suitable for travellers.
