Kenya will this month host the first-ever Drone Tech and Data Expo under the theme ”The Roles of Drones and Data In Spurring Economic Growth in Kenya and the 4th Industrial Revolution in Africa.
The Expo, which is scheduled to run from May 29th to June 4th will bring together over 100 certified drone technology experts with keynote speakers including ICT CS Joe Mucheru.
The Drone Tech and Data Expo is being organized by Drone Space Kenya in conjunction with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCCA) and Konza Technopolis Authority (KoTDA). It will kick off with a two-day conference that willl take place at KICC on 30th and 31st May followed by the Last Mile Medical Delivery exercise which will be held at the Konza Smart City Drone Corridor from 1st to 4th June 2022.
Kenya will be host more than 100 certified drone technology and data experts, industry players and enthusiasts from May 29 to June 4, 2022.
Drone Space Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer Tony Mwangi said that drone technology has come in handy in providing alternative means of delivery especially in areas with poor infrastructure.
“Drones have proven efficient and more cost-effective in leapfrogging the physical connectivity gap in Kenya,” adding that “drone technology can help deliver medical commodities such as vaccines, anti-venoms, blood as well as medical supplies in areas where there’s limited infrastructure.”
The expo brings together players in the industry including drone regulators, manufacturers and operators. They will get a chance to showcase their drones’ capabilities during the drone validation exercise scheduled to take place at the Konza Smart City.
Konza Technolopis Development Authority CEO John Tanui said, “As Konza Technopolis, we are glad to participate and support the Kenya Drone Week Expo which is anchored on innovation and technology development which are some of the key pillars in our development. We see this sector as key in transforming our economy because it enables emerging solutions in the 4th industrial revolution.”
Participants will have an opportunity to explore multiple concepts of drone operation and data exchange across a designated 24-kilometre flight zone at the Konza Technopolis.
The Expo is being hosted two years after Kenya formalised ownership of drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAVs), in 2020 following approval of the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, Act 2019 by parliament in April.
The follow-up Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020, provided a basis for evaluating drones for registration and approval based on various factors, including security risk to public safety and security.
