Should I Hire a drone photographer or Just Buy a Drone and Do It Myself?

Conducting Aerial Drone Operations for commercial purposes is a complex proposition. Beyond being proficient in flying and properly operating a drone that has the capabilities to provide professional quality still images and video, you also need to be properly licensed by the KCAA and have an aviation insurance. Regulations for commercial pilots can be complex and tricky, so relax just hire a professional. Besides we also have over 15 years commercial photography and drone photography experience in the most competitive market in the world, so our imagery is far superior to the average person.  

Where do you offer your drone services?

We’re based in Kenya but can travel across the country — and even beyond — for projects. From real estate to events, mapping to marketing, we tailor our drone services to suit your location and needs.

How long can you fly a drone?

Most drone batteries last about 30 minutes on a full charge. Our team always carries about 3 to 4 batteries plus a charger just incase the project is big in order to avoid downtime during shoots.

Can I fly a drone indoors?

Yes, you can fly a drone indoors if it has blade protectors and you can provide a suitable launch and landing site. The pilot will need to control the drone manually because the GPS and compass sensor technology is limited indoors.

How high and far can a drone fly?

The range of the drone control is about 1.5 km. Export systems can achieve a range of up to 50 km. The range is limited due to the mandatory  visual line of sight (law by KCAA) between the pilot and the aircraft. In the field our larger drones can therefore operate at a perimeter and altitude of about 200m. When using the drone in the mountains the limits are set by the low atmospheric pressure and low temperatures. Agricultural drones such as the agras t40 used to mostly spray plants such as tea have autonomous flight plans which give it more flexibility and overall efficiency during working hours.

What can drones do other than photography?

They have vast uses in different fields such as : 

• 3D & LIDAR mapping- used for architectural mapping to know the size of lands to be constructed on as well as contours and area topography
•  Thermal imaging- or near-infrared cameras -  This allows for faults in solar panels or the water shortage of plants to be detected from the air. If you own a special sensor technology system we will adapt it to our drones (or our drone to your system) and put it in the air.
• Agricultural drone spraying - Drones tend to save a lot of time and money when it comes to spraying crops in large fields and collecting data on how well they're doing.
• Surveillance - Military drones can stayin the air for months doing surveillance while some are even fitted with weapons to offer precise missile targeting of targets from the comfort of the military drone pilots bunker
• Aerial inspections - perfectly designed to carry out  aerial inspections on Bridges, listed buildings, construction sites, solar farms, wind turbines etc.

Do you offer drone mapping services?

Yes, we do! We specialize in precision drone mapping using advanced LIDAR and RTK modules. This is ideal for surveying, agriculture, construction, and other projects that need high-accuracy geospatial data.

Can you help me buy or sell a second-hand drone?

Absolutely. Whether you’re looking to buy a quality second-hand drone or sell yours, Cruz Drone Photography provides trusted guidance, inspection, and connection to serious buyers and sellers in Kenya’s drone market.

How much does it cost  to import a drone into kenya?

Usually depends on dollar exchange rate plus import duty of 25% and VAT tax which is  16%. But remember you need an import license or certificate and other permits plus an account with KCAA (ROMS) to import or else you risk it getting impounded at customs and all your money going down the drain.

What are the permits required to import a drone in kenya

Permits required include and not limited to:

• Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Approval:
  • Before importing a drone, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) must grant approval. KCAA regulates all civil aviation activities in Kenya, including drone operations. They ensure that the drone meets the required safety and operational standards.
  • Depending on the drone’s weight, purpose, and how it will be used (recreational, commercial, or industrial), the operator might need to register with the KCAA and get a permit for use in Kenyan airspace.
• Import Permit from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA):
  • You will need to obtain an import permit from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to bring goods, including drones, into the country. This is part of the customs clearance process.
• Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government:
  • Depending on the drone's use, especially for commercial purposes, the Ministry may require additional clearance for national security purposes, particularly if the drone is being imported for surveillance or other sensitive activities.
• Declaration of Conformity:
  • Drones must meet certain standards in terms of their design and function. If importing drones for commercial use, manufacturers and distributors must provide a Declaration of Conformity to prove that the product complies with Kenya’s safety and aviation regulations. Companies like DJI have passed all tests worldwide and thus should have no issues with KCAA.
• Taxation and Duty:
  • Import taxes and duties will apply depending on the type of drone. You will need to clear the drone through customs at the point of entry.
• Drone Registration (for operational use):
  • Once imported, drones need to be registered with the KCAA before they are used in Kenyan airspace. The registration process involves submitting details about the drone, including its specifications and intended use.
• Operator Certification (for commercial use):
  • If you are planning to use the drone for commercial purposes (e.g., aerial photography, surveying), you will need to obtain an operator’s certification from the KCAA. This ensures that the operator is trained and qualified to operate drones safely.

​How profitable / lucrative is drone photography

Drone photography can be quite lucrative, but it depends heavily on your niche, location, skills, marketing ability, and business model. Here's a breakdown of the earning potential and key factors in the US:

In Kenya events go for minimum of 16k per hour or per event and goes up depending on expertise. If you're in agriculture and land survey you will definitely get your moneys worth since the market rate is about 100k going up. For any enquiries call us