Regulatory Snapshot Kenya

Overview

Kenya is among the African leaders in drone regulation and sustainable pesticide management, with the country having formal frameworks in place for drone operations and pesticide control. It presents the right pilot environment for most agricultural drone applications.

Regulatory Authorities

Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA): Regulates all drone operations under the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020.

Kenya UAS Regulations

Pest Control Products Board (PCPB): Oversees registration, labelling, import/export, and application of crop protection products under the Pest Control Products Act (Cap. 346) and the Pest Control Products (Labelling, Advertising, and Inspection) Regulations, 2024.

PCPB Website

Drone-Specific Guidelines

• Drone spraying is permitted for registered service providers who obtain an Remote Aircraft Operator Certificate(ROC) from KCAA and comply with PCPB’s aerial application standards.
• Only registered pesticides approved for aerial or drone use may be applied.
• Operators must observe buffer zones, wind speed limits and drift management protocols.
• The PCPB encourages integration of drone spraying as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to minimize environmental impact.

Useful links

Pest Control Products Board (PCPB)

Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) RPAS Regulations

Croplife Kenya; Stewardship Guidelines