PCK Signs A Deal With Swift Lab- A Kenyan Drone Firm

Posted on : Friday, 22nd October 2021

Under the 3-year agreement, Swift Lab Limited, a Kenyan cargo drone company will manufacture and operate drones that can travel up to 70km and carry a payload of up to 4kg.

 

“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 Dan Kagwe, the CEO and Postmaster General of PCK.

 

Kagwe said the partnership would enable Postal Corporation of Kenya to make delivery of essential medical supplies and other goods speedy and cost-effective, by getting rid of middlemen.

 

Postal Corporation of Kenya currently has a partnership agreement with Kenya Medical Supplies Authority.

 

Swift Lab Limited will provide the technical expertise in the drones’ design, manufacturing, maintenance, software integrations and regulatory approvals while adjusting the km of travel for drones to up to 200km and above on a need basis.

 

“Swift Lab has already been issued a remote aircraft operations certificate 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 James Munyoki, the CEO and Co-Founder of Swift Lab Limited.

 

The drones manufactured by Swift Lab Limited have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability, therefore no runways or expensive infrastructure is required. “This allows us to scale their operations across the country. The drones are utilizing clean energy and are powered by rechargeable batteries,” explained James Munyoki.

 

The 2 organisations will jointly mobilise resources for manufacturing the drones, while Postal Corporation of Kenya will provide its facilities and infrastructure across the country as operation bases for drone delivery services.