Drone technology can ease delivery of medical supplies to remote areas

The Zipline drone used by the county government of Kericho for supply to remote health facilities, essential drugs, blood, vaccines and other pharmaceutical and non- pharmaceutical supplies. [File,Standard]

Drone technology can ease delivery of medical supplies to remote areasDrone technology has emerged as a transformative tool in various sectors, including healthcare and aviation. In Kenya, this technology holds significant potential for addressing logistical challenges in delivering medical supplies to remote areas, responding to emergencies, and enhancing operational efficiencies in the aviation sector.

However, the legal landscape surrounding drone technology presents complex questions that must be addressed to fully realise its benefits while safeguarding public safety and privacy.

Drones have revolutionised healthcare logistics by enabling the rapid delivery of life-saving medical supplies, such as blood, vaccines, and essential medications, to hard-to-reach areas. Companies like Zipline have demonstrated this potential in Rwanda and Ghana, offering a model that Kenya could replicate.

In aviation, drones are increasingly being used for surveillance, inspections, and air traffic management. Their ability to reduce operational costs while improving safety has made them a valuable tool in the sector.

In Kenya, the operation of drones is governed by the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020, enacted by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

These regulations address critical aspects such as registration, licensing, airspace restrictions, and operational guidelines. While they represent a significant step forward, there are still gaps and challenges that need to be addressed.

All drone operators in Kenya are required to register their devices and obtain licences from the KCAA. This process ensures accountability and adherence to safety standards. However, the cost of licencing and registration has been criticised as prohibitive, potentially limiting the adoption of drones for humanitarian purposes.

Drones must operate within designated airspaces to avoid conflicts with manned aircraft. The integration of drones into Kenya's airspace management systems poses a challenge, requiring robust technological solutions and regulatory frameworks.

Determining liability in the event of drone accidents or malfunctions is a complex issue. Operators must navigate questions of accountability, especially when drones are used for critical medical deliveries or emergency response.

The potential misuse of drones for illegal activities such as smuggling or terrorism, necessitates stringent security protocols. Regulators must balance the promotion of drone technology with measures to mitigate these risks.

Kenya’s push toward universal healthcare (UHC) and its growing emphasis on innovation provide a fertile ground for integrating drone technology into the healthcare system.

For instance, drones could play a pivotal role in supporting the government's Afya Nyumbani programme, which focuses on community health services.

In the aviation sector, Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a regional hub, making Kenya a strategic player in the adoption of drone technology for airport operations and air traffic management.

Collaborations between the government and private sector players, such as logistics and tech companies, could further enhance this potential.

The integration of drone technology into Kenya’s healthcare and aviation sectors presents an unprecedented opportunity to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. However, realising this potential requires a robust legal and regulatory framework that addresses safety, privacy, and security concerns.

As an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, I believe legal professionals have a pivotal role to play in shaping these frameworks, ensuring that technological innovation is both transformative and responsible.

Kenya has the opportunity to lead the way in leveraging drone technology for the greater good, setting a precedent for other nations in the region.