Drone operations at Konza Technopolis have officially taken off following the launch of the country’s first unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology hub powered by High Lander’s Vega Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system.
The Vega UTM solution serves as the digital backbone of the Konza National Drone Corridor (KNDC), Kenya’s first facility to be licensed for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
With this corridor, drones can fly safely, efficiently, and at scale. The onboard digital portal reduces administrative delays, while Vega’s conflict-avoidance and real-time coordination capabilities safeguard airspace.
The system also provides safe data exchange with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to improve compliance and safety standards.
Located within Konza’s innovation hub, the drone corridor will be used to drive applications in healthcare, agriculture, logistics, aerial mapping, infrastructure inspection, conservation, and disaster response. In addition to its practical uses, the venture has the potential to improve the creation of jobs, entrepreneurship, and investment, putting Kenya at the forefront of the smart mobility revolution in Africa.
“The launch of the Konza National Drone Corridor and deployment of the UTM is a landmark step in advancing Kenya’s innovation ecosystem,” said Ben Waweru, Director of Data Centre and Cloud Services, speaking on behalf of Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy.
“This initiative integrates drone technology into key sectors while aligning with our vision to harness technology for inclusive growth.”
John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, described the milestone as a game-changer for the city’s innovation agenda. “The Unmanned Traffic Management system is a defining moment in our smart city journey. It unlocks economic opportunities, enhances public service delivery, and ensures a safe, regulated environment for drone operations,” he said.
Eden Peled, Country Director at High Lander, echoed the sentiment, calling the project a continental first. “It’s an honor to power the KNDC, the first BVLOS UAS sandbox in Africa. With KCAA’s support, Vega UTM will enable safely scalable drone applications as the corridor expands,” he noted.
The launch drew stakeholders from every sector, including the Nairobi Embassy of Israel, the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and numerous private drone operators.
With the Konza National Drone Corridor now live and operational, Kenya has officially entered a new chapter in advanced aviation, one that could shape the future of smart mobility across Africa.
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