There’s been a lot of interest in the operation of unmanned aerial aircraft in Kenya in the recent past and especially this week, with two mainstream media outlets publishing different drone-related stories on the same day. And for this reason, my long break from blogging has come to an end.
For starters, the word ‘drone’ immediately shifts one’s mind to the US’s operations against terrorists so I’ll rightfully call them UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). I’ll also focus on UAVs used for filmmaking and photography.
English Point Marina, Mombasa.
From what I’ve found online, UAVs started hitting Kenyan news in August 2013. Back then, just like now, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority didn’t have legislation to govern their use in Kenya. And as per the Daily Nation article, they still don’t.
Since 2013, many people have acquired UAVs and are putting them to great use. One of the best videos I’ve seen is from African SkyCam, showcasing Kenya’s beauty.
A great video, but according to KCAA, illegally done as per the statement from their Communications Manager Mutia Mwandikwa. “It is true that we don’t have regulations. So the authority is not licensing any drones at the moment. In fact, any drone or small aircraft seen at public functions is being operated illegally,” he told the Nation. (Daily Nation Online, Wednesday 13th January 2015)
Crescent Island, Naivasha.
One of the main concerns as the KCAA works to set up legislation for UAV use is the invasion of privacy. In my opinion, you can get more invasion of privacy with a 70-200mm lens than a UAV. Why? UAVs are very noisy. And because most have fixed 5mm lenses (very wide), there isn’t much detail one can get from even 30 metres above ground. There are more professional UAVs to which you can attach a DSLR and even with these, and the noise they emit when flying, it is hard to spy on someone without their knowledge.
Limuru.
The beauty of using a UAV is the fresh perspective you get when shooting from the air, something you wouldn’t get when shooting from the ground. UAVs have truly helped us appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
At Murchison Falls in Uganda, the 50-metre wide Nile squeezes through a 7-metre crack in the ground. It is such a beautiful sight that it has been described as the most spectacular event on the Nile’s 7,000km stretch. You can really appreciate it’s beauty in the images above.
The one below is of the same place, taken from ground level.
Murchison Falls from ground level.
Karuma Falls from above.
Karuma Falls from ground level.
Coming up with legislation for the use of UAVs is more difficult than mastering to fly one. It is however very necessary. I believe people with Model Ts were in the same predicament we find ourselves in today. The car was invented before there was laws that governed the operations of motor vehicles. Can you imagine driving today with no highway code or traffic rules? Now you see how important the legislation is.
Even as we await legislation, restrictions will need to be put in place on where one can and can’t fly. One way this has been achieved in more developed markets is programming the UAVs not to fly in the restricted areas. Because they use GPS, this has been easy to achieve and Kenyan restrictions wouldn’t be hard to include in future UAV firmware updates.
Malaba looking into Tororo at sunset.
Source of the Nile at Jinja.
Kariunga, Nanyuki, with Mt Kenya in the horizon. The two images above were shot on my first UAV assignment. You can read more about it here.
Tiwi Beach.
Kisite Marine Park.
Lake Naivasha.
And finally, Lake Natron. This was quite an experience. Read about it here.
Two years after UAVs started being used for filmmaking and photography in Kenya, we are still awaiting regulations from the KCAA. This is a very long time to be barking at UAV users, none of whom want to be bitten with a fine of Kshs50,000/- like this guy.
After attending a Drone Workshop at iHub today, it is clear that UAVs are already being put to various use in Kenya, from photography to filming to surveying and 3D mapping. And those using them vary from enthusiasts and professional pilots, to engineers building their own airframes and navigation systems from scratch! We’re all in agreement that the deafening silence from the KCAA hurts the industry, and go about our business looking over our backs wondering if we’ll end up in the cooler. We are now working to form an association that will unite us all and bring self regulation into the industry, while working with the KCAA to come up with legislation that could easily be adopted by other countries.
The least we’d like from the KCAA is an official statement on their website on the progress made in putting legislation in place, instead of extending the 2-year silence we’ve had.
So until the legislation is effected, my costly investment will be gathering dust and I won’t be able to bring you photos and videos that will allow you to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
————————– 30 MARCH 2015 UPDATE ————————–
Through a public notice placed in Kenyan newspapers in February, the KCAA instructed all UAV operations to cease until approvals are received from the Ministry of Defense and authorisation given by the KCAA. To receive DoD approvals, write to The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Defense, PO Box 40666, 00100 Nairobi. Applications for authorisation should be sent to The Director General, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, PO Box 30163, 00100 Nairobi. Authorisations for flying UAVs will be considered by KCAA only after approvals by the Ministry of Defense.
For something to be illegal, it must go against the LAW. There currently is NO law against flying UAVs hence it CANNOT be illegal. Keep taking those beautiful pics man.
Well said Maco. There are no specifics to charge against. Same case with car window tints. Keep up the good work Mwarv.
Hi All,
DRONESIX Kenya Ltd and been working hard for the last 3 years with the KCAA and other Authorities to push the drone sector along in Kenya.
We offer commercial drone services, commercial drone training/licencing and drone clubs. We comply with every regulation, rule and requirement the authorities have imposed and expect to receive full licencing this month (March2018).
We are looking for Kenyan pilots for a imminent, long term, mapping project.
Please send CV’s to [email protected] . For more info on DRONESIX Kenya Ltd please visit out website http://www.dronesix.co.ke
Regards,
Craig Cleave | Operations Manager | DRONESIX Kenya Ltd
As a very gifted man would say…
“For several minutes, I couldn’t scroll down as fast. I just sat there & looked at the screen in silence, wowed at God’s Majesty and the awesomeness of His creation. All I can say is, ‘Thank You Mwarv for allowing me to see this.”
…the flamingos in flight is a sight to behold.
The photos are absolutely stunning Mwarv. Well done, there most def needs a law that allows them.
The two dogs picture, might that be in tiwi.. the background and the two labradors look familiar.
Awesome pictures though.
Yes Lee! It’s at Twiga Campsite. Thanks for the compliments on the photos.
Hi.nice photos you got there.I was interested in purchasing a drone here in Kenya.I would like to know how you were able to purchase your drone.Thank you
Call 0724342247
Great piece, awesome shots. Let’s soldier on till the right regulations have been put into place
Fantastic photography and a great, well written article. You’re clear one of those who should keep blogging!!!
Don’t let you’re equipment rot, we can make KCAA make a move by probing. Pioneers take the heat for most things we enjoy, I think going against the grain is the only to get this legislation process going.
Your photos are amazing, and your writing is turn-page.
Its about time that KCAA recognizes the legitimacy of pilots who fly from the ground.
God-speed to the situation.
Btw, Love, love, love the photo and comment on the barking 🙂
Thanks for sharing some great images of Kenya!
I would say do not just take a wait and see attitude, but rather get involved. Go talk to the KCAA , show them your system, arrange demos. Show them what you use it for. Help them to create regulations based on what other countries have done already. Yes, its going to be a long slow process, but get involved.
Always try to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.
I love the work you have done with that UAV. I have a keen interest in UAV’s and planning to get my first one. An entry level mostly indoor and to learn how to fly, later maybe get an advanced one like the Parrot Bebop UAV. I am into film and these UAVs provide an opportunity to do some fabulous things. I am with you on getting KCAA on board so we can all fly safe and legal.
Let’s get in touch, because I want to set up shop in Kenya as well.
Hey these are beautiful pictures, and i urge you to keep the pressure on the Aviation guys. We need to get some signatures going on, for this, is an ideal hobby for the few who are keen on this hobby.
We can be the first to set up guidelines and share it especially with our neighbouring country’s.
I totally agree with Harsh. Let’s start the Lobbying. How we can start this is by forming an Association of UAV operators.
Lovely Pics Mwarv.
I’ve flown my drone responsibly on holiday in Greece and Turkey and I would like to do the same in Kenya at the end of November. Is there any chance? Has the new legislation been implemented yet? If not, do I write to KCAA and risk an official no, or do I fly knowing there is no law to break (if I keep out of the way of people, buildings and animals). Thanks
Hi Bob. The ban is still on. Some pilots are still flying, but far away from the public eye. The authorities have in their possession over a dozen drones that have been confiscated from the public after being flown in public since the ban. There will be a risk of losing yours to the authorities if you’re found flying, or you might be able to get some great aerial imagery while here. There’s also the risk of it being impounded at the airport as you arrive as happened to a friend of mine. So, yeah… That’s the situation. Hope this has helped.
Wow thank you for the heads up, my buddy was planning to come with one in 2 weeks ,just updated him.
so will still dont have guidelines an year later…..
Thanks for the fast reply Mwarv. Sooo disappointing but I dare not risk airport security. I may write to the Ministry and KCAA just in case someone is having a good day!
i’m looking forward to the trip anyway – come back after 50+years away; showing my daughter my old childhood haunts. Hope the authorities start to relax soon and allow you back to your great photography.
These restrictions are a copycat of ones in the USA. UAVs have considerable security and privacy concerns. With a hobbyist quadcopter crashing in White House grounds, and another coming 2 metres close to Angela Merkel in Germany, one can imagine the motive terrorists would exploit them for. However, unlike in Kenya, on February 12 2015, President Obama assented a bill requiring the Federal Administration Authority (FAA) to allow a safe integration of UAVs into the US national airspace system (NAS) by 30th Sept 2015 which has lapsed. This was to allow commercialization of UAVs in film making industry, delivery, aerial photography, rescue mission, policing, and agriculture.Myself, I had to change my Master’s project that was to assess the CBA of using UAVs in agronomic and environmental monitoring, but with the lengthy process of getting an approval and authorization and a fee of Ksh.100,000, will be better doing something different. US government has realized the economic impact of integrating UAVs into civil and commercial applications, through job creation and increased revenue generation and they are in the process of creating a favorable legal environment for UAVs civil use. Ironically, in Kenya where smart minds are struggling and suffering in the misery of unemployment, Kenya is restricting this economic incentive. It is good to acknowledge the security and safety issues surrounding the civil application of UAVs, but this should not outstrip the enormous potential that UAVs habours in creating employment. Kenya should also put up a regulatory framework that will see a safe integration of Kenya airspace, say by 2017, and not use authority to fully freeze the use of UAVs. Watching the video by Gloria Muliro “Matokeo” and “Umenifanya Ning’are” by Christian Shusho, one is left to appreciate how much UAVs can really improve not only the quality of music videos, but can be a paradigm shift in video shooting industry in Kenya.
I was able to have the much information in the Global position of UAVs by assisting an American Student at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in project dubbed “Assessing the Implications of the Commercial Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.” We should not cast aspersions on the restrictions, but lobby for a body that will see to it we also benefit from the use of UAVs and that we are not left behind.
Hi there Kinuthia please contact me with regards to how you obtained your permit/authorization.
Thanks! 🙂
Dillan Prinsloo
[email protected]
Hi Dillan. I don’t have any permit and don’t know if or how you can get one. Sorry. Call the KCAA and see what they say. Cheers!
We had been discussing with friends concerning regulations on the use of drones in Kenya. This led me to this post. I just found here the best information and the most comprehensive feature story i have read in a long time. Thank you very much for this. Though we have to sadly admit this is still a grey area that the govt needs to say something so that both enthusiasts and professionals should know when not to get into trouble. This is quite good
those photos are superb. I’m currently designing my final year drone project (electrical and electronics engineering Dekut) its an FPV . Really excited to find a forum where people are talking about drones…inspires me big
Hi guys, has anyone made any headway on getting a “license”? What I dont understand is if they are not illegal and not legal what is the actual process for getting a license?! And if you are caught flying a UAV then what actual charge can be brought against you? Really keen to keep flying but not sure how much trouble i could actually get into…
Hi all,
I am a ex (Kenyan) airline pilot and have jumped through many a KCAA loop.
I have a strong interest in the drone issue here in Kenya and have begun to assemble a team of people, including lawyers, over seas commercial drone operators, airline pilots (inc myself) and investors who i hope may be able to steam line drone licencing, creation and implantation of regulations.
Very early days yet and i need to do much research still but anyone anyone who is willing to lend advice and expertise please do let me know.
With thanks,
[email protected]
Hi,
I am impressed… How can I get one… for hire or sale….
Kindly; [email protected]
There is finally some light for keen drone flyers/owners and todays business daily means the government is showing some signs of going forward for this issue.
This is awesome,
Hey guys! check out the KCAA website, finally there’s gonna be a a public meeting for drone enthusiasts this coming Friday22 April (http://kcaa.or.ke/index.php/latest-newz/169-remotely-piloted-aircraft-system). Myself I’m into recreational drones which I used to fly quite often during my postgrad days @UC Canterbury and would have loved to form some drone’s sporting camp here in Kenya. Anyone keen? Let’s touch base during the RPAS meeting organized by KCAA.
Hi Mitto , I have been thinking of this for a long time. I wont make it to the KCAA meeting but would glaadly like to hear the updates and any progress. Kindly keep in touvh [email protected]
I’m at the meeting. I’ll blog about the outcome of the meeting.
Hey Mwarv, did you make a blog post on the outcome of the KCAA meeting regarding drones? If yes, please provide me with the link. Eager to know the outcome of the deliberations.
Sorry I haven’t got round to writing it. Got overtaken by events. I’ll be speaking to the authorities next week and blog about it. So help me God.
Mwarv, any more progress with this? I have just had my quads released by customs after them being impounded a week ago. I’m in Kenya for 5 months, and would love to get my drones up in the air above some of the amazing scenery I’ve seen so far.
Hi Geoff. Were you able to fly? Here’s an update on the situation http://mwarv.click.co.ke/2016/10/17/wanna-drone-in-kenya-not-so-fast/
Hello all, any update on the drone flying issue ? I need to purchase one soon! It’s not allowed in Kenya but is it allowed elsewhere ? Like India, U.K. ? Do other countries have restrictions ?
http://mwarv.click.co.ke/2016/10/17/wanna-drone-in-kenya-not-so-fast/ here’s an update
As we await regulatory guidance, I hope that UAV operators will be responsible. We cannot afford to have an incident involving commercial aircraft as is happening in other parts of the world.
If we are the same people (some but not all Kenyans) unable to be disciplined on the roads, how will we be able to keep the vertical and lateral limits of the regulations.
http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/dubai-shuts-airspace-temporarily-over-unauthorised-drone-activity-2016-09-28-1.641150
Here’s an update on drones in Kenya
http://mwarv.click.co.ke/2016/10/17/wanna-drone-in-kenya-not-so-fast/