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Are you thinking of getting started in Kenya’s drone industry? You have come to the right place. The drone industry in Kenya has seen a lot of growth recently, and if you would like to be part of this growth and become a drone operator in Kenya, you will need a license. Read on to learn how to become a licensed drone pilot in Kenya, drone pilot training cost in Kenya, other skills you need to become a drone operator in Kenya, and some job opportunities for drone pilots in Kenya.
Kenya Drone Laws on Licensing
Before being allowed to fly a drone in Kenya, the regulator (Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)) requires you to be trained in an approved school. To qualify for the training, you must be at least 18 years old and pass the Class 3 Aviation Medical Examination.
The training involves topics like Air Law, Navigation, Human Factors, and actual practical skills in flying a drone. Depending on the school, it takes between two weeks and one month.
After training, you will be assessed on your proficiency in the regulations and your skills as a drone pilot by a representative of the KCAA. Once you pass, you get a license with a unique number and this licence will be used to identify you whenever you need to fly a drone.
Kenya Drone Training Schools
As I mentioned, you must undergo training through an approved school. Below is a list of approved drone training schools by the KCAA, also known as UTOs (Unmanned Aircraft Training Organizations);
| UTO NO. | COMPANY | POSTAL ADDRESS | EMAIL ADDRESS |
| 1 | KENDRONE LIMITED | 34100-80118 Mombasa | info@kendrone.co.ke |
| 2 | DRONE SPACE LIMITED | 66297-00800 Nairobi | info@dronespace.co.ke |
| 3 | RPAS TRAINING ACADEMY (Astral Aviation) | 594-00606 Nairobi | operations@astral-aerial.com |
| 4 | DRONECTOR LTD | 74714-00200 Nairobi | director@dronector.com |
| 5 | FAHARI AVIATION LTD | 19002-00501 Nairobi | training@fahariaviation.com |
| 6 | EXPERT DRONES EAST AFRICA LTD | 101201-00100 Nairobi | expertdroneseastafrica@gmail.com |
| 7 | GEOID TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED | 3891-00200 Nairobi | info@geoidtechnologies.com |
| 8 | OSTA TECH LIMITED | 83710-80100 Mombasa | info@ostatech.co.ke |
| 9 | STABLEGEN DRONE LIMITED | 101202-00101 Nairobi | info@stablegen.co.ke |
| 10 | AFRICANAIR GROUPE LTD | 57683-00202 Nairobi | info@africanairgroup.com |
| 11 | VERSADRONES LTD | 1410-00606 Nairobi | info@versadrones.net |
| 12 | ECOWINGS SOLUTION LTD | The Mirage Tower 2, Westlands, Nairobi | contact@ecowings.co.ke |
KCAA updates this list every time a new school is approved. So, before signing up for any school, make sure it is listed on KCAA’s website.
How Much is a Drone License in Kenya
Most drone training schools in Kenya charge between Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 200,000 for drone pilot training and licensing. This only covers the basic training, which is enough to get you a job as a drone pilot in Kenya. Extra courses like Night Rating, Radiotelephony, etc., come at an extra cost.
Job Opportunities for Drone Pilots in Kenya
As mentioned earlier, the drone industry is on the rise. Below are some industries that are hiring drone services in Kenya.
- Surveying and mapping
- Agricultural spraying
- Surveillance and monitoring of private property
- Drone delivery
- Photography and filming
For more about these industries and the companies operating in them, check out our post on What Are Drones Being Used for in Kenya.
Skills for Drone Pilots in Kenya
After getting your license, below are some skills that can help you get a job or start your own gig as a drone pilot;
- Photography and videography – real estate companies, construction sites, events, etc., could always use a drone operator to help them capture aerial shots.
- GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry – Drone mapping is gaining traction in Kenya. To become efficient in this, a drone pilot needs to understand basic GIS and photogrammetry, the various software used for drone mapping, such as Pix4D, AgiSoft, DroneDeploy, WebODM, etc. and the deliverables one expects from drone mapping.
- Night operations – Some projects require you to fly at night, so getting a Night rating on your license could go a long way.
- Agricultural spraying—You can specialize in agricultural spraying in Kenya and get certifications from DJI, allowing you to enter a growing industry that is looking for skilled pilots.
- Inspections – You can also consider gaining skills in conducting inspections of power lines and other structures.
Are Drones Allowed in Kenya?
Yes, drones are allowed in Kenya, but you have to adhere to the regulations stipulated by the KCAA. Once you get a license, you are allowed to operate a registered drone in Kenya and can get the necessary approvals to operate a drone in Kenya. If you plan to operate your own drone, you need to import the drone legally by applying for an import permit through the KCAA ROMS account. Once you import your drone, you need to apply for registration through the ROMS account. Once you have that covered, below are some regulations to keep in mind when operating drones in Kenya;
- Commercial drone operators must apply for an Operations Authorization from KCAA.
- Companies or individuals engaging in multiple drone operations need a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ROC).
- Drones must not fly above 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level.
- Drones are prohibited from flying in controlled airspaces (e.g., near airports or aerodromes) without prior approval.
- Drones are not allowed to fly in restricted areas such as military bases, prisons, or government facilities.
- National parks and game reserves may require special permits.
- All drones must be operated within the pilot’s visual line of sight unless special authorization is granted for beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.
- Drones must not invade the privacy of individuals or capture images without consent in private properties.
- All drones must have third-party liability insurance to cover any damage caused during operations.
Do You Need a Permit to Fly a Drone In Kenya
Yes, to operate a drone in Kenya, you need to get Operations Authorization from the KCAA. This applies to hobbyist, private, and commercial operations. Approvals are applied through an ROC(Remote Operators Certificate). But if you do not have one, you can get ROC support from a registered ROC.
Conclusion
If you are looking for drone training in Kenya, this article covers everything, from what you need to get licensed to how much it costs, where to study, and the jobs you can do with a drone license in Kenya.
Ready to start your drone training journey? Contact us today for a free consultation or personalized guidance at +254726547072 or peterkaranja@captainkdrone.com