Register a drone and get permission to fly it
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority · sources read 30 Sep 2026
Every drone must be registered with KCAA, and you need KCAA's authorisation before you fly. Apply online through KCAA's drone system; registration is KSh 3,000 and a low-risk (Category A) flying authorisation is KSh 2,000.
- Fee
- KSh 3,000Drone import permitKSh 3,000Drone registrationKSh 2,000Operation authorisation, Category A (low risk)KSh 2,500Operation authorisation, Category B or C
- Where
- Online on KCAA's drone system, ROMS (rpas.kcaa.or.ke). KCAA head office: Aviation House, JKIA, Nairobi
What you need
- Your ID documents
- A police clearance certificate (certificate of good conduct) issued within the last year
- A photo of the drone
- For a company: company registration documents
Steps
- Create an online account with KCAA for drone services and upload your ID and police clearance. KCAA reviews it and emails you when the account is active.
- If you are bringing a drone into Kenya, get a KCAA import permit first.
- Apply online to register the drone, pay the fee, and receive a certificate of registration. Show the registration mark on the drone.
- Get KCAA's authorisation for the category of flying you plan (A, B or C) before you fly.
Watch out
- Don't fly above 400 feet, within 50 metres of people, vehicles or buildings that aren't part of your flight, or at night unless KCAA clears it.
- You need third-party insurance for the drone before flying.
- For Category B and C flying, the pilot must hold a KCAA remote pilot licence.
Who can apply
- Kenyan citizens or residents aged 18 or over, companies, and national or county government can own a drone.
- Flying for business, pay or hire also needs a Remote Aircraft Operators Certificate (ROC).
Official sources (5)
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) kcaa.or.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- The Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 (L.N. 42 of 2020) kcaa.or.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Manual of Implementing Standards (CAA-M-UAS001, November 2020) kcaa.or.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- The Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020 (L.N. 4 of 2021) kcaa.or.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- KCAA RPAS Operations Management System (ROMS) rpas.kcaa.or.ke · read 30 Sep 2026