Emerging Technologies: Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Realisation of Vision 2030 Goals in the Counties

Abstract

The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) heralds a new convergence of aeronautics, robotics, control and mechatronics. The technology is expected to find numerous unforeseen applications, much in the same way as the mobile phone technology has revolutionised the way people work and socialise in the early 21 st century. The main segmentation for applications of UAS are in Energy; Agriculture, forestry and fisheries; Earth Observation and Remote Sensing; Communication and Broadcasting; Fire fighting and others. This paper proposes a roadmap for the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems into the economy in the realisation of Vision 2030 goals in the counties in Kenya. A background study is carried out followed by structured interviews with key industry players. The direct benefit to adopting UAV technology is found to have an annual value of US$ 24,265,882. This is in addition to the potential for job creation and other downstream economic benefits.