In what was April Fools Day prank, it was announced that a Russian innovation centre had launched unmanned taxis that will be operating in Kenya.
This was announced on Monday, April 1, by the Russian Embassy in Kenya which revealed that the innovation centre would work with local partners.
The Russian Embassy revealed that testing of the flying taxis would begin soon in select areas before mass rollout.
“The first flights will be operated en route Nairobi (Wilson) - Diani (Ukunda). Do not miss such an opportunity,” the Embassy announced.
The Embassy later recanted the statement noting that it would still partner with Kenya in the transport sector.
"On a serious note, we are fully committed to continue working with Kenya in the sphere of transport and new technologies," the Embassy stated.
Only a few countries in the world have made significant steps in launching unmanned aircrafts.
In 2023, Israel successfully launched tests for flying taxis that could ferry both passengers and luggage.
World superpowers like the United States and China seek to achieve this milestone by 2025. Kenya has also slated 2025 as the year it would launch its flying taxis.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China in November 2023, further gave the green light to a company allowing it to operate unmanned aircraft systems.
It is yet to be revealed which local companies will partner with the Russian company in operating the flying taxis.
