Kisumu:Kisumu is set to host its first swarm drone light show during the festive season. Organizers are promising a spectacular display featuring hundreds of synchronized drones that will illuminate the night sky, offering a new form of entertainment for the lakeside city.
According to Kenya News Agency, J Spiral Techniques, a fireworks and pyrotechnics company, is in discussions with the Kisumu County Government and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to stage the show. This event is expected to mark the beginning of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
J Spiral Techniques, which recently opened a branch in Kisumu, aims to stage the display before the end of the year. The company’s Kisumu branch manager and Master Projection Artist, Zamir Nurali, stated that the proposed display would involve drones flying in coordinated formations to create illuminated images and patterns in the sky. The number of drones and the complexity of the images will determine the cost of the spectacle.
Drone light shows are becoming an alternative form of entertainment at major celebrations, including weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions, and public events. Nurali highlighted that the cost of a basic show could start at Sh200,000, with more elaborate productions costing more. The company previously staged Kenya’s first public drone light show in Nairobi and is seeking to expand its footprint beyond the capital.
In addition to entertainment, the company is also focused on developing local expertise in drone technology by collaborating with independent pilots, engineers, and other technology enthusiasts. They are engaging Flying Labs in Kisumu to recruit and train local pilots for drone operations.
Nurali emphasized the importance of complying with government regulations governing fireworks and drone operations. He praised efforts by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho in strengthening regulatory oversight and stressed the importance of using fireworks responsibly to prevent accidents and protect property.
The company is committed to making drone shows and fireworks accessible to ordinary residents. Nurali encouraged the public to enjoy these events safely and in designated open spaces. The company’s expansion strategy is centered on serving people from various economic backgrounds and ensuring entertainment products are accessible to all.
