KCAA Gets Approval to Charge Registration Fee on Drones

Kenyans who want to operate drones will have to pay a ksh3000 registration fee
Kenyans who want to operate drones will have to pay a ksh3000 registration fee
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Kenyans who want to operate drones will be required to pay Ksh3000 registration fee even as the filming and recording dynamics change in the country with the recent outbreak of drones. 

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) received approval to operationalize the Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 which was endorsed by the National Assembly on 6 March 2021. The registration will aid in ensuring that privacy is respected.

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Transport, James Macharia gazetted the charges on 22 January 2021.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority director-general, Gilbert Kibe
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority director-general, Gilbert Kibe
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The approval gives room for the full execution of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulatory framework in Kenya.

“Under the new cost structure, Kenyans and entities wishing to own and operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems popularly known as drones will now pay a Ksh3,000 registration fee. Details of the charging structure can be obtained from www.kcaa.or.ke” said KCAA.

According to KCAA director-general, Gilbert Kibe, the gazetting of the regulations paved way for a new age in the country’s aviation world by opening up the sector to innovations.

Individuals and organizations that already have UAS are advised to apply to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority for registration and approval to lawfully engage in safe and secure drone operations. 

Unmanned Aircraft System operations are categorized based on the risk posed by the type of operations Category A operations are Low risk, Category B operations are medium risk, while category C operations are high risk. The categories guide the authority in registering, issuing approvals, and authorizing operations.

"A person shall not operate an Unmanned Aircraft System in a category of operation other than the category for which it has been authorized to operate," reads the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations 2020.

KCAA will inform the public more on the application and the effects of the regulations.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority offices
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority offices
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