Njoro: With the Kenyan agricultural sector contributing approximately 22 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), there is a pressing need for the transformation of traditional farming methods towards modern agricultural practices.
According to Kenya News Agency, precision agriculture, which incorporates the use of drones in agribusiness, is being highlighted as a highly efficient method to boost productivity while reducing operational costs in the sector. Egerton University has recently initiated its inaugural Agricultural Drone Pilots Training Programme, a strategic move to modernize agriculture in Kenya. Professor Charles M’Erimba, Director of the Graduate School at Egerton University, emphasized the importance of encouraging Kenyan farmers to adopt drone technology for precision agriculture, aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.
At the launch event held at the Njoro Main Campus, Professor M’Erimba explained that the training initiative is part of the university’s broader vision to modernize agriculture in the country. He highlighted that training farmers in the use of agricultural drones would empower them to manage pests, diseases, and other challenges affecting crop production more effectively. He described the introduction of drone technology training as a milestone in cultivating a new generation of tech-savvy farmers.
Professor M’Erimba noted that while drones have traditionally been used for surveillance in security, their application in agriculture is a promising development poised to revolutionize farming. Many large-scale farmers and agribusiness companies in Kenya have already integrated drone technology into their operations. However, operating drones, whether for private or commercial use, requires adherence to regulations set by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
Under the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations 2020, operators must undergo a structured certification process and obtain a license from KCAA to legally operate drones in the country. Professor M’Erimba stated that the university is committed to equipping students, farmers, and agricultural experts with modern technical skills through this programme.
The initiative is supported by several organizations, including the Agricultural Industry Association of Kenya (AAK), Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev), Centre for Integrated Water and Basin Management (CIWAB), Hallo Tractors, Versadrones, the Ogiek Peoples’ Development Programme, and the KCAA. Professor M’Erimba elaborated on the benefits of drones in modern agriculture, such as monitoring crop health through aerial imaging and detecting pest or disease infestations early. Drones also aid in farmland mapping, irrigation management, and precise application of fertilizers and pesticides to minimize input wastage.
Professor of Agronomy at Egerton University, Antony Kibe, emphasized the importance of integrating drone technology with evolving crop management practices. He highlighted the need for proper fertilizer application tailored to different soil types, using drones for efficient foliar fertilizer application. Drones, he noted, complement government programmes aimed at enhancing fertilizer use in farming, particularly benefiting elderly farmers who struggle with manual operations.
According to the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), drone technology can significantly reduce pesticide use, water needs, and spraying time, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity. Despite the high cost of drones, Professor Kibe stressed their potential to make farming more appealing to young people by reducing labor and incorporating advanced technology.
Dr. Patrick Wamalwa, Programme Coordinator at CIWAB, stated that the training programme aims to empower professionals and community members to implement technology-driven farming systems. Drones, he noted, are essential in addressing climate change challenges and promoting efficient farming practices. They provide high-resolution imagery for informed decision-making in farm management and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Egerton University, Professor Japheth Onyando, highlighted the role of drones in providing real-time data for optimizing crop management and responding to climate-related threats. Drones create detailed maps of farmland, aiding in planning and resource management to boost agricultural production.
