Konza Technopolis and High Lander launch advanced UAS traffic management system

July 2025 - Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s first smart city, is taking a bold step toward advancing the future of aviation technology in Africa through a new strategic partnership with High Lander Aviation, a global leader in UAS traffic management (UTM).

Under a newly signed strategic agreement between the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and High Lander, the latter will provide its Vega UTM solution to support the establishment and operation of the (KNDC). This marks a major milestone in the integration of smart city infrastructure with cutting-edge UAS technology and airspace management, enabling safe, compliant, and scalable drone operations in alignment with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

“The Konza National Drone Corridor is a clear demonstration of Konza Technopolis’ commitment to pioneering innovation and shaping the future of smart cities in Africa,” said John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis. “As a flagship initiative within our innovation ecosystem, the KNDC positions Konza Technopolis, and Kenya, among the ranks of global technology leaders. The integration of High Lander’s Vega UTM and Orion DFM drone fleet management platforms into our infrastructure is a pivotal moment in accelerating both technological and economic transformation, while opening doors to local and international collaboration.”

Vega UTM will serve as the digital backbone of the KNDC, creating a controlled airspace where UAS activity can be managed in real time. Drone operators will benefit from a seamless interface that allows them to request flight authorization via a unified digital portal, significantly reducing administrative delays. Vega’s autonomous deconfliction mechanisms - both strategic (pre-flight) and tactical (in-flight) - ensure a safe, regulated, and efficient environment for both manned and unmanned aviation. In addition, Vega will enable secure data sharing between airspace managers at KNDC and the KCAA, further strengthening regulatory compliance and operational safety.

“It’s a great honor to be selected to provide UTM technology to the Konza National Drone Corridor, Africa’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)-approved UAS technology sandbox,” said Eden Peled, Country Director at High Lander Aviation. “With the support of the KCAA, this project will allow airspace stakeholders to showcase the diverse applications of UAS technology and show how they can be safely integrated into controlled airspaces at scale. We are proud that Vega UTM will serve as the foundation for safe and efficient drone operations as this initiative expands.”

As a newly licensed UAS and BVLOS testing corridor, the KNDC is poised to revolutionize drone deployment in Kenya and across the continent. Anchored within the innovation ecosystem of Konza Technopolis, it will drive regional economic growth by attracting global technology partners and vendors seeking a testbed for next-generation drone solutions.

The KNDC will support smart service delivery in priority sectors including precision agriculture and monitoring, aerial mapping and surveying, logistics and cargo transport, pipeline and power line inspections, wildlife and forest cover monitoring, medical delivery and more. It is also expected to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and investment, cementing Konza’s position as Africa’s premier destination for innovation in smart mobility and future technologies.