Get a Remote Operator Certificate (ROC) to fly drones commercially
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
If you fly drones for money (hire, reward or any commercial work), your Kenyan-registered company needs a KCAA Remote Operator Certificate. Start with KCAA at least 90 days before you plan to fly; the first ROC costs KSh 80,000 and lasts 12 months.
- Fee
- KSh 80,000ROC initial issueKSh 50,000ROC renewal
- Deadline
- Apply at least 90 days before you plan to start flying.
- Where
- Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), unmanned aircraft systems section
What you need
- Formal application form or letter, with the certification job aid and schedule of events
- CVs and certificates of your key managers
- Purchase, lease or contract papers (or letters of intent) for your drones and premises
- List of the drones you will fly (make, model and series)
Steps
- Contact KCAA. An inspector gives you form KCAA/ASSR/ROC-001, which goes for government security clearance.
- After clearance, fill in the UAS PASI form and attend a pre-application meeting with your key staff.
- Send the full formal application package with your documents.
- KCAA checks your documents and inspects your operation.
- If all is in order, KCAA issues the ROC with your operations specifications.
Watch out
- An incomplete formal application is rejected as a whole, so get the full list at the pre-application meeting.
- You need a security clearance from the Ministry of Defence. KCAA requests it for you while processing your application.
- The ROC lasts 12 months. If it expires, you must start a new application.
Who can apply
- Anyone who flies drones for commercial work, reward or hire.
- The operator must be registered in Kenya and have its main place of business here.
Official sources (4)
- The Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Manual of Implementing Standards (CAA-M-UAS001, November 2020) kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- The Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 (L.N. 4 of 2021) kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Remote Air Operator Certificate kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026