Kenya to Host its First Drone Tech and Data Expo

Kenya is set to host its first global Drone Tech and Data Expo from May 29 to June 4. This is the first time the event will be staged locally, although it has made an appearance in other African countries, including Rwanda.

The expo is expected to round up more than 100 certified drone experts and enthusiasts from different parts of the world. It will be organized by Drone Space Kenya, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), and Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA).

The Drone Tech and Data Expo will kick off with a two-day conference that will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on 30^th & 31^st May.

Then, the Last Mile Medical Delivery exercise will be held at the Konza Smart City Drone Corridor from 1^st – 4^th June 2022.

Participants in the exercise will be validated on various aspects including speed, flight accuracy, and safety as well as the uniqueness of their drone designs. The participants will be tasked to explore multiple concepts of drone operation and data exchange across a designated 24-kilometre flight zone within the expansive Konza landscape.

ICT CS Joe Mucheru will be among the keynote speakers at the conference, which will be held under the theme: The Role of Drones and Data in Spurring Economic Growth in Kenya and the 4th Industrial Revolution in Africa.

Teams of authorized drone manufacturers and operators will have an opportunity to showcase their drone equipment and test their drones’ capability to deliver medicine during the drone validation exercise that will be held at the Konza Smart City in Machakos county.

The Chief Executive Officer of Drone Space Kenya, Mr. Tony Mwangi, noted that drones have proven efficient and more cost-effective in leapfrogging the physical connectivity gap in Kenya.

“The lack of proper infrastructure and public transportation systems poses immense challenges to development in Kenya and Africa at large. 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,” he 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 4^th industrial revolution,” said Konza Technolopis Development Authority CEO John Tanui.