Drones Seed Konza Wildlife Conservancy

The Technopolis Development Authority (formerly Konza Technopolis Development Authority) has completed a drone-assisted seedball broadcasting exercise at the Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy, deploying 75 kilograms of seedballs across degraded savannah as part of efforts to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable land management.

The exercise, conducted on 24 June, saw drones disperse seedballs containing three indigenous tree species—wild olive, shittah tree, and fever tree—over targeted areas within the conservancy. According to the Authority, the initiative demonstrates how emerging technologies can support ecological restoration while improving efficiency in large-scale environmental conservation.

Seedballs are compact spheres made from charcoal dust, clay, compost, and native seeds that protect seeds from predators, retain moisture, and provide nutrients to enhance germination. The Authority said the technology can improve germination rates by up to 80 percent compared with conventional seed broadcasting methods.

Annah Musyimi, Chief Manager for Physical Planning, Compliance and Environment at the Technopolis Development Authority, said the project highlights the role of technology in advancing environmental conservation, biodiversity management, and sustainable natural resource use.

“Technology is undoubtedly a game changer and we as the Technopolis Development Authority have taken the lead in showcasing this. Today we have witnessed our drones deploy a total of 75 kilograms of seedballs containing three different tree species over a total land area of 1,000 acres in a matter of minutes,” she said. “It is therefore key for not only us but the majority of the conservation and agricultural sector to embrace technology to aid productivity and development across our nation.”

The Authority said the initiative reinforces Konza Technopolis’ role as a national centre for innovation, research, and the application of technology-driven solutions that support Kenya’s environmental and development priorities.

The project also showcases the capabilities of the Konza National Drone Corridor, Kenya’s dedicated testing and innovation zone for unmanned aircraft systems. The facility provides a controlled environment for developing, testing, and validating drone technologies across multiple sectors, supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

The government said it will continue promoting partnerships between ministries, government agencies, research institutions, technology providers, and local communities to accelerate the adoption of innovative agricultural practices while strengthening food security and environmental conservation.