Kenya to use drones to deliver light cargo, medicines

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenya will start using drones in the delivery of light essential cargo and medical supplies, the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) said on Thursday.

The corporation said it had partnered with a local drone company to make the dream of drone delivery service a reality in the East African country.

The drones will also aid in the delivery of e-commerce purchases, Dan Kagwe, the CEO and postmaster general of the PCK, told local media on Thursday.

“The World Health Organization estimates that 1,000 Kenyans die from snake bites every year. With this partnership, we can deliver anti-venoms or any other medications to save lives in remote areas,” Kagwe said.

“The drones are utilizing clean energy and are powered by rechargeable batteries,” Kagwe said during the signing of a three-year partnership with Swift Lab Limited, a Kenyan drone company that has already received a Remote Aircraft Operations Certificate from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

“We want to invest in the production of drones. It is not only our obligation as a government to invest in Kenyan technology, but we are also keen on clawing back our market position as the courier and logistics services provider of choice,” Kagwe added.

The PCK already has a partnership with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority.

The drones can carry goods of up to 4 kilograms and deliver them to up to 70 kilometers (43 miles).