Konza City — Konza Technopolis has announced a strategic partnership with Israel-based High Lander to deploy a drone traffic management system designed to control and monitor unmanned aircraft in real time across the Konza National Drone Corridor (KNDC).
The agreement, signed between the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and High Lander, introduces the Vega UTM system to Kenya marking the first time an autonomous drone airspace control platform will be fully integrated into a smart city infrastructure in Africa. The move aims to support secure drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), in compliance with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
“The Konza National Drone Corridor shows our commitment to building the future of smart cities through practical innovation,” said KoTDA CEO John Paul Okwiri. “This system positions Konza and by extension, Kenya as a competitive global hub for safe drone testing and commercial UAS operations.”
Vega UTM will serve as the central command layer of the drone corridor, allowing real-time air traffic tracking and flight authorization. Drone operators will now use a single online portal to submit flight plans, get quick approvals, and receive alerts cutting down delays and improving transparency.
Vega’s key features include autonomous airspace deconfliction, which prevents collisions by resolving traffic conflicts before and during flight. The system also enables secure data sharing between KNDC and the KCAA, strengthening enforcement of airspace rules and operational oversight.
“This is Africa’s first BVLOS-approved drone testing corridor,” said Eden Peled of High Lander. “We’re honored to provide the technology that will ensure safety and coordination as Kenya scales up unmanned aviation.”
The Konza National Drone Corridor is part of a broader plan to position Konza Technopolis as a hub for smart infrastructure and emerging technologies. As a licensed testing site, it offers international companies and local developers a controlled environment to test next-generation drone solutions.
The corridor will support critical sectors including precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, logistics, aerial inspections, medical deliveries, and mapping. It is also expected to attract new investment, create skilled jobs, and fuel entrepreneurship tied to drone innovation.
The rollout of Vega UTM is the latest signal that Kenya is preparing for a future where drones play a central role in service delivery and mobility. The project aligns with the government’s broader goal of turning Konza into Africa’s leading smart city and digital economy anchor.
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