Govt Eyes Putting Up Charging Stations For Flying Taxis

The Kenyan government through the Ministry of Transport is exploring a plan to set up charging stations domiciled at strategic locations to power up electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft...or flying taxis in simple terms.

According to Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Mohamed Daghar, this would allow seamless urban and regional air movement, considering that the flying taxis would hand Kenyans an alternative to dealing with perennial traffic snarl-ups in urban cities in Kenya, including Nairobi.

The charging stations would be located at the vertiports, infrastructure designed to facilitate the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) of eVTOL aircraft, serving as hubs for urban air mobility, similar to heliports but with a focus on electric and sustainable transportation.

Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Mohamed Daghar speaking at the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium on March 18, 2025. /KENYA AIRWAYS

"A robust infrastructure backbone is essential for a thriving AAM ecosystem. Kenya is laying the foundation for this new era of aviation through the Development of Vertiports and Charging Stations. We are exploring strategic locations for the deployment of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) hubs to facilitate seamless urban and regional air mobility," revealed Daghar.

The PS was speaking on Tuesday, March 18 during the inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium running from March 18-19, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. 

On Advanced Air Traffic Management Systems and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), PS Daghar revealed that Kenya is investing in next-generation airspace management technologies that integrate both crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations.

"These systems will enhance situational awareness, optimize traffic flow, and ensure the safe integration of AAM into existing aviation networks," he added.

He further announced that for the AAM to thrive, an enabling regulatory environment is paramount, adding that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is actively developing policies to integrate emerging air mobility technologies safely and seamlessly into Kenyan airspace. 

These efforts include harmonizing AAM regulations with global best practices through collaboration with 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Airlines Association (AFRAA), and regional aviation bodies, strengthening cybersecurity and safety protocols to build public trust and ensure secure operations, engaging in public awareness campaigns to enhance understanding and acceptance of AAM technologies.

Meanwhile, Kenya Airways, through its subsidiary Fahari Aviation, is aiming to introduce the flying taxis in Nairobi by 2028 in a bid to ease traffic congestion, yet another adjustment to its timeline for launching eVTOL vehicles.

The airline has long envisioned deploying flying taxis in Kenya, with previous launch targets—including an initial 2025 rollout—failing to materialize as part of its broader business diversification strategy.

According to Fahari Aviation General Manager Hawkins Musili, the company is considering acquiring 20 flying taxis and is actively working towards launching operations by 2028. He also revealed that Fahari Aviation is in discussions with potential partners, including EVE UAM, LLC (a subsidiary of Eve Holdings, Inc.), Archer Aviation Inc., Electra Aero, and Supernal.

However, Musili noted that adopting AAM would require refining regulations and infrastructure that would support the integration of the transport solution.

“What we want to see is the infrastructure required to enable this including traffic management systems that will allow us to incorporate this new technology into existing airspace and ensure everybody operates securely and safely. The other aspects are infrastructure is from a landing and take-off perspective where charging needs to be enabled,” he said.

Globally, an increasing number of cities are showing interest in eVTOL aircraft, which operate similarly to helicopters by taking off and landing vertically. These vehicles offer the potential for quieter, more sustainable, and efficient urban transportation.

As airlines worldwide seek new revenue streams, many are embracing eVTOL technology as a forward-thinking solution to alleviate congestion and enhance mobility in densely populated urban areas.

From left to right: Hawkins Musili - GM of Fahari Aviation, Mohammed Daghar - Principal Secretary of Transport and Allan Kilavuka - Group MD and CEO of Kenya Airways paying attention to a demonstration of a drone control panel at an exhibition at the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium on March 18, 2025. /KENYA AIRWAYS