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Pioneering Kenya’s First National Drone Corridor: Our Story with Konza Technopolis

Kenya Flying Labs contributed its expertise by developing detailed corridor operations manuals, guiding the multi-agency review and approval process.

October 1st, 2025

By Kenya Flying Labs

Every groundbreaking technology starts with a spark a bold idea, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to try something new. For us at Kenya Flying Labs, the journey toward Kenya’s first National Drone Corridor began just like that: with questions, teamwork, and a shared dream of how drones could transform our world.

Our journey began when Kenya Flying Labs was granted access to the vast open spaces of Konza Technopolis, the country’s flagship smart city project. Initially, these open skies offered the ideal environment for conducting drone demonstrations for our clients, many of whom were foreign nationals and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) eager to see how drones could deliver value across various industries.

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KFL and Cloudline from South Africa at Konza during a multiagency demonstration of the airship.

What started as demonstrations quickly grew into a bigger idea. With every successful test flight, it became clear that Konza was uniquely positioned to host a structured drone corridor. Its strategic role as a technology city, coupled with available space and forward-looking leadership, provided the right foundation. Conversations between KFL and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) soon evolved into a shared vision: creating a dedicated drone corridor to support innovation, research, and commercial applications. 

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KCAA and Multiagency team of RPAS in Konza to witness a client UAS demonstration.

KoTDA formally made the application for corridor approval, and with the support of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the idea gained regulatory traction. Meanwhile, KFL contributed its expertise by developing detailed corridor operations manuals, a critical component that guided the multi-agency review and approval process. These manuals covered operational procedures, safety protocols, and compliance measures, all of which helped demonstrate that the corridor could be managed responsibly and sustainably.

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NARMA from South Korea undertaking training for KFL and Kenya Red Cross team of pilots and engineers on assembly and maintenance.

This collaborative effort culminated in the approval of the Konza Drone Corridor — the first of its kind in Kenya. For us at KFL, this was not only a regulatory milestone but also proof that partnerships rooted in trust, expertise, and shared ambition can unlock new opportunities for innovation.

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KFL client testing a UAS platform at the Konza Drone Corridor

Today, the Konza Drone Corridor stands as a national testbed for drone technologies, enabling research, commercial services, and advancing Kenya’s leadership in the African drone ecosystem. From showcasing drones for clients to co-creating national infrastructure, our journey with KoTDA highlights what is possible when vision meets collaboration. 

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KFL in partnership with Pravesh, Konza Technopolis, Africa Drone Forum hosted the Elevate Africa Summit at Konza Drone Corridor where live UAS demonstrations were conducted.

Kenya Flying Labs remains committed to building on this foundation driving the adoption of drones for social good, and shaping an ecosystem where technology serves people and communities first.

Already, the Konza Drone Corridor is attracting interest from leading OEMs who are exploring opportunities to establish assembly and manufacturing plants within the city. This momentum promises to create meaningful employment for Kenya’s youth. Additionally, it positions the country as a leading Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) hub in Africa. With Konza City designated as a Special Economic Zone, companies benefit from unique incentives that streamline processes and accelerate business growth. We invite innovators, investors, and industry leaders to join us in shaping this transformative ecosystem where Kenya takes flight as a continental leader in drone technology.

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A team from JKUAT, KFL and KCAA during a demonstration of the DJI Flycart30 UAS for cargo delivery project.

 

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