KFCB to Work with KCAA on Regulating Use of Drones in the Film Sector

Kenya Film Classification Board officers led by the Ag. CEO Mr. Christopher Wambua, held a meeting with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) led by the Director General Mr. Emile Arao.

The meeting sought to explore areas of collaboration between the two entities, particularly on the Unmanned Aircrafts (drones).

KCAA is responsible for licensing drones in the country. In recent times, the use of non-military drones has surged in many sectors, including the film sector. The use of drones in filming has seen the production of high-quality films at reduced costs.

“The (film) industry players have been pushing to work out mechanisms of safely and securely using the drones in filming, especially when it comes to registration of new drone users and that’s why we have chosen to engage with you,” said Mr. Wambua. 

The KCAA Director General said that the Authority is mooting the idea of assembling drones locally which will make them cheaper for local users and even earn the country foreign exchange after exporting them.

“KCAA is looking into ways of facilitating manufacturers to come in with the parts and then we will capitalize on the innovation out there to build the drones,” he said, adding that this is a low-hanging fruit that can be picked since building a drone is cheaper than a commercial aircraft. 

Like any other sector, however, this is also subject to regulation by KCAA.

Owing to the increase in the use of drones in filming, KFCB and KCAA vowed to collaborate to make it easy for filmmakers intending to use drones in their work. 

Key collaborative areas explored included: the definition of the role of local film agents in clearing drones imported into the country, creating awareness among local filmmakers on the process of acquiring drones and information/data sharing between the two agencies.