This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
On October 7, 2021, the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) announced a partnership with Swift Lab Limited to introduce drone-based last-mile delivery services across the country for medical supplies, e-commerce purchases, and essential cargo.
Three-Year Agreement ¶
Under the three-year agreement, Swift Lab Limited, a Kenyan cargo drone company, will manufacture and operate drones capable of traveling up to 70km and carrying a payload of up to 4kg.
According to Dan Kagwe, CEO and Postmaster General of PCK, the partnership aims to invest in the production of drones, supporting Kenyan technology and reclaiming the market position as the courier and logistics services provider of choice.
‘We want to invest in the production of drones, it is not only our obligation as government to invest in Kenyan technology, but we are also keen on clawing back our market position as the courier and logistics services provider of choice,’ said Kagwe.
The partnership will enable PCK to make delivery of essential medical supplies and other goods speedy and cost-effective by eliminating middlemen.
Technical Expertise and Infrastructure ¶
Swift Lab Limited will provide technical expertise in the drones’ design, manufacturing, maintenance, software integrations, and regulatory approvals. The company will also adjust the drones’ travel distance to up to 200km and above on a need basis.
James Munyoki, CEO and Co-Founder of Swift Lab Limited, stated that the company has already been issued a remote aircraft operations certificate (ROC) by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, making it the only company approved for drone manufacturing and one of a few approved to operate drones in the country.
‘Swift Lab has already been issued a remote aircraft operations certificate (ROC) by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, which makes us the only company approved for drone manufacturing and one of a few approved to operate drones in the country,’ said Munyoki.
The drones manufactured by Swift Lab Limited have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability, requiring no runways or expensive infrastructure. ‘This allows us to scale their operations across the country. The drones are utilizing clean energy and are powered by rechargeable batteries,’ explained Munyoki.
