Konza Technopolis has partnered with High Lander to launch the country's first Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) system.

Recent developments are helping Kenya's drone industry to take off. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) recently approved the first drone corridor in the country at Konza Technopolis, called the Konza National Drone Corridor (KNDC). To further this progress, the KNDC is partnering with the technology company High Lander to implement Kenya's first Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) system.

What Is a UTM?

A UTM system is essentially the drone industry’s version of air traffic control. It's a digital and automated system designed to manage uncrewed aircraft. It handles everything from approving flights to preventing collisions. This ensures drones can safely share the airspace with manned aircraft. UTMs are crucial for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, as they allow for real-time monitoring and secure data exchange with regulators, which is essential for scaling drone use in fields like deliveries, inspections, and emergency services. With a UTM in place, Kenya can now move from small, isolated pilot projects to fully integrated, large-scale drone operations.

The Partnership: Konza and High Lander

Through this collaboration, High Lander will provide its Vega UTM platform, a comprehensive system that enables drone operators to:

• Request and receive flight authorizations digitally.

• Operate within a real-time, managed airspace.

• Automatically avoid collisions both before and during flight.

• Securely share flight data with the KCAA.

The Vega UTM platform is more than just software. It’s creating Africa's first BVLOS-approved UTM sandbox—a controlled environment where drone technologies can be tested and validated in real-world scenarios. According to Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri, the integration of High Lander’s technology is a "pivotal moment" that will accelerate both technological and economic transformation in the region.

What This Means for Kenya and Africa

The Konza National Drone Corridor is not a one-off project. It’s a model that can be replicated to guide the nationwide rollout of BVLOS drone operations. With the KCAA’s support and a live UTM system, drone innovators now have a clear path to test, scale, and commercialize their solutions.

This opens the door for immediate and practical applications, including:

• Precision agriculture: Drones can be used for tasks like crop monitoring and targeted spraying.

• Logistics and medical delivery: Drones can transport goods and essential medical supplies to remote or hard-to-reach areas.

• Inspections and monitoring: Drones can efficiently inspect pipelines, power lines, and monitor wildlife and forests.

As a recognized UTM sandbox, the KNDC will also attract global drone manufacturers, service providers, and investors who are looking for a testbed in Africa. This will drive job creation, innovation, and local skills development.

For years, drone operators in Kenya have faced a fragmented environment with limited test zones and complex authorization processes. This new UTM deployment at Konza is a major step forward, turning abstract policy into real infrastructure and creating a foundation for safe, compliant, and innovative drone use across the country.