Jumia Kenya, the online retailer is planning to use of unmanned aerial vehicles commonly known as drones for delivery of goods during the first quarter of 2018.
Should this plans go through, then fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, groceries and other products will be delivered using drones.
This was confirmed by Jumia managing director Sam Chappatte during the Jumia Black Concert.
“Next year in Q1, we will try. Realistically it’s not a viable solution at this point due to its complexity, however we will pilot it and see how it works out before adapting it in maybe two or three years to come,” said Chappatte.
If the plans are implemented then it will be th first time for drones to be used for commercial purposes in the country.
The Jumia move comes only a month after the gazzetment of Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems Regulations 2017 by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authorities.
According to KCAA, the regulations are projected to allowing Kenyans to use drones for filming and photography, sports, other private and commercial activities.
However, Ben Roberts, the Liquid Telecom chief technical officer argues that by 2022, more Kenyan delivery companies will descend on drones’ efficiency to deliver goods for their customers.
“This would be a major boost for the industry curbing loses incurred from the damage of property in transit and cut time spent in traffic,” Robert states in a statement to the press.
Among East Africa countries that have adopted the system include Uganda which allows drone testing to be done in its airspace while Tanzania is intending to adopt the technology in January next year to help ease medical supplies.
Source: Hivisasa