Filming with drones in Kenya

Drone permits for Filming in Kenya.

Filming with drones in Kenya can only be done when you have acquired the necessary permissions from Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.  When planning to film with a drone, there is an option of hiring one locally which is easier as the permit as this doesn’t require an importation permit . However there is also a process of importing one though this process can be abit lengthy.

If you intend to import a drone to film in Kenya, a temporary importation permit has to be requested . With the necessary requirements provided , a temporary import permit for your drone can be gotten within 4 to 6 weeks . All you have to do is follow the steps below with the assistance of our fixer.

• Apply and film in an  RPAS/Drone Operations Application Form
• Provide an introduction letter requesting for the permit. This letter should include details of location, drone and the drone pilot
• Provide specifications if the drone and its operator manual and its insurance
• Provide the certificate of the intended drone pilot
• You also need to get you need to get a Class III medical certificate issued by a recognized aviation designated medical examiner.

Drone importation fees vary depending on the type of drone and this fee is determined once the application is made and when the fee is paid, the drone is cleared in for filming in Kenya. In addition to this , please note that different locations may also charge a fee for filming with drones especially national parks and reserves. For assistance with drone importation , feel free to reach out to us.

Drone Filming regulations

When filming with a drone in Kenya, it is important to note that flying drones in Kenya is very Regulated and you have to adhere to the set rules and regulations that include the following.

• Avoid NO FLY ZONES . These include the airport, The State house, Military and police posts and any other places that may be communicated to you in the process of application
• Drones are supposed to fly at or below 400ft/122meters
• Flying a drone has to be done only during daylight
• Drone flying speed should be kept under 100mph
• Do not fly directly over people especially when filming in public places.
• When flying, ensure to yield right way to any manned aircraft.
• When filming wildlife, don not fly so close to the animals

For more information on filming with drones in Kenya, please feel free to contact us.

Other things to consider when Filming with Drones in Kenya.

Kenya filming Permit/License.

For one to film with a drone in Kenya, a filming permit is also necessary. In order to obtain a permit to film in Kenya, application has to be done to the Kenya film commission through your local agent/fixer. A properly filled in Kenya license application form has to be filled in and presented to the commission with other documents that include

• Synopsis and details of the shoot
• Passport copies
• Passport sized photos
• Introduction letter of the company and crew members.
• Full list of the equipment to be imported into the country for the shoot

The process and authorization time of the permit depends on the type pf production you are applying for. The permit for TV Series and Full-length Feature Films are processed within 3 to 5 working days while permits for short features and shoots take about 1 day to be confirmed.

The cost for a Kenya film permit is as described below

• Documentaries, short features and drama cost KSH 5000 which is also 50USD
• TV series and full length features cost KSH 15000 which is 150 USD
• Daily filming fee which costs 10USD.

Special pass/Work permit for filming in Kenya

Filming with drones in Kenya requires you to have a special pass which allows you to officially film in Kenya. The special permit works as an official document that allows foreigners to work in the country. This special pass costs 200 USD per person and is issued out by the Immigration department of Kenya. In addition to this, upon arrival into the country, the special pass also has to be endorsed. Special pass authorization takes 2 to 3 working days upon application through your local fixer in Kenya.

Choose Africa Fixers.

Africa Fixers is a film Fixing Company in Kenya and other countries in Africa, and we pride ourselves on assisting filming companies and Production agencies that are interested in filming in several African countries. Our Film fixers in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya can handle all production services required. Our team of local production fixers in Kenya and driver guides are very professional Over the years, we have been able to get all relevant connections with other service providers and authority agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are easily processed. Contact us for more information about filming in Kenya, scouting filming locations, pitching ideas, and hiring a top-notch Kenya film fixer to assist with your production project.