Uber Seeks Government License to Test Flying Taxis in Kenya

US-based technology firms Facebook and Uber are seeking to test drone activities in Kenya following government move to legalize the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The two companies have written to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) seeking permission to use drones in the country following the adoption of regulations to guide the operation of the flying devices.

Following the move, Kenya will join Rwanda and South Africa as countries that have a legal framework for the remotely controlled aircraft in Africa.

KCAA director general Gilbert Kibe said Uber is seeking to test flying taxis in Kenya, but Facebook had not clearly stated the specific areas it wants to utilise the UAVs. “Facebook and Uber have requested if we can allow them to test their projects in the country,” said Kibe on Wednesday.

Uber has already announced plans of building flying cars, with launch date for an aerial taxi service set before 2020.

Regulations guiding the use of drones were gazetted in 2017, a move that legalized their use in Kenya. The rules are however awaiting ratification by parliament with KCAA making a presentation before MPs on Thursday.