Insights on Drone Training & Technology

If you're planning to become a licensed drone pilot in Kenya, there are some important updates you should be aware of. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has recently restructured how Remote Pilot License (RPL) training and certification works.

These changes affect how exams are conducted, what the training includes, and the overall cost of getting licensed.

A Shift in How RPL Exams Are Conducted

One of the biggest changes is who handles the examinations.

Previously, training organizations were responsible for both training and evaluating students. That is no longer the case. All main RPL exams are now issued and conducted directly by KCAA.

For students, this means your training and certification are now handled separately. You’ll complete your course with a training provider, but sit your final exams at KCAA—and pay the exam fees directly to them.

Radiotelephony Is No Longer a Separate Course

Another key update is the integration of radiotelephony into the RPL program.

In the past, radiotelephony was offered as a standalone certification. Now, it is built into the RPL curriculum itself. While this simplifies the training path, it doesn’t remove the requirement—you’ll still need to pass a radiotelephony exam as part of the licensing process.

Additionally, applicants are now required to complete:

• English Proficiency exam
• Oral Radiotelephony exam

This reflects a stronger emphasis on communication, which is critical for safe drone operations.

Understanding the New Cost Structure

Because exams are now handled by KCAA, the overall cost of obtaining an RPL is split into two parts: training fees and external costs.

Our RPL training program is currently priced at KES 160,000, with a 15% discount bringing it down to KES 136,000.

Separate from this, there are additional required fees:

• Medical examination: KES 10,600
• RPL exam fee (paid to KCAA): KES 4,000
• Radiotelephony exam fees (paid to KCAA):
  • English proficiency exam: KES 3,000
  • Oral radiotelephony exam: KES 2,000

Altogether, you can expect a total investment of approximately KES 155,600.

What This Means for You

These updates introduce a more structured and standardized certification process. With KCAA directly overseeing examinations, licensing becomes more consistent across all candidates.

At the same time, the process now requires a bit more coordination on your end. You’ll need to manage exam registration, payments, and timelines alongside your training.

The upside is that the training itself is now more comprehensive. With radiotelephony embedded into the curriculum and added emphasis on communication skills, you’re better prepared for real-world drone operations.

Final Thoughts

While the process has evolved, the goal is clear: to raise the standard of drone training and certification in Kenya.

If you're considering getting your RPL, it’s important to plan ahead—not just for training, but also for the additional exams and medical requirements.

Our training program is fully aligned with the latest KCAA guidelines and designed to prepare you for every step of the process.

Ready to Get Started?

We’re here to guide you from training all the way to certification.

Enroll now while the 15% discount is still available, and take the first step toward becoming a certified drone pilot.