Kenya Drone Laws (2022)

Kenya Drone Laws

Img 1: Aerial Photography In Kenya

Contents

  1. General Kenya Drone Laws
  2. Drone Permits In Kenya
  3. Brining Your Drone On Airplanes Guide
  4. Buying Drones In Kenya
  5. Drone Travel Guide Articles
  6. Contact Information For Questions

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General Kenya Drone Laws

Drone use is allowed in Kenya, but there are several Kenya Drone Laws and regulations that need to be followed when flying in the country.

  • You must first receive approval to operate your drone from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
  • Recreational pilots must join a drone club or association as part of the permit process, and commercial drone permits require a trained pilot to operate the drone
  • Drone permits require that the operator have insurance coverage

Once you have received approval from both parties to operate your drone in Kenya, please adhere to the following Kenya Drone Laws,

  • Do not fly your drone over people or crowds of people
  • Respect other peoples privacy when flying your drone
  • Do not fly your drone near military installations, power plants, or other areas that could concern local authorities
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
  • Do not fly your drone near airports or in any area where aircraft are operating

Permit Needed For Recreational Drone Use?

A drone permit and importation permit is required for recreational drone use in Kenya.

You must apply at least 8 weeks in advance as it is a slow bureaucratic process.

NOTE: Kenyan government asks for a fee of $1,700 USD. For permit and importation.

Click here to obtain a permit or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Recreational Drone Use?)

Permit Needed For Commercial Drone Use?

A drone permit is required for recreational drone use in Kenya.

You must apply at least 8 weeks in advance as it is a slow bureaucratic process.

NOTE: Kenyan government asks for a fee of $1,700 USD. For permit and importation.

Click here to purchase a permit, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)

Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes Guide

For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.

You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag" data-src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=uavsystemsint-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007V9MN44" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered “dangerous goods” by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.

Here is some video footage shot by Two Wheels Across when flying a drone in Kenya.

Buying Drones In Kenya

Read all of our Kenya Drone Laws, and now looking for drones, parts, accessories, or something else? Read our guide for Buying Drones In Kenya. It includes information on drones for sale in Kenya, import taxes, payment options, and shipping.

Drone Travel Guide

Kenya drone laws are up to date as of March, 2022. Please email [email protected] , or click “leave a message” at the bottom right of the screen if you have any questions or comments.