Get approval to carry out an aerial survey or aerial mapping
Survey of Kenya · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Write to the Survey of Kenya with the area you'll cover and the dates, and attach clearance from the Department of Defence (DoD) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. It costs at least KSh 10,000 and takes about 2 days.
- Fee
- KSh 10,000Approval for aerial surveys (minimum)
- How long
- About 2 days
- Where
- Survey of Kenya (Directorate of Survey and Mapping), State Department for Lands, Ardhi House, 1st Ngong Avenue, Nairobi
What you need
- Application letter showing the area of coverage and the time
- Clearance from the Department of Defence (DoD)
- Clearance from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
Steps
- Get clearance from the Department of Defence and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
- Write an application letter to the Survey of Kenya stating the area you'll cover and when, and attach both clearances.
- Pay the approval fee, from KSh 10,000.
Watch out
- KSh 10,000 is the minimum. The final charge can be higher.
- The application must come with DoD and KCAA clearance, so get those first.
- Cash isn't accepted. Pay through ArdhiPay and keep the receipt.
Who can apply
- Individuals or institutions that want to do aerial mapping or photography over land in Kenya.
Official sources (2)
- SDLPP Service Charter - Updated 2025 lands.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Approval for Aerial Surveys lands.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026