In this section we discuss issues of interest in technology and aviation in the African region. We provide opinion and analysis of the various events driving industry. We also provide pointers to other news that is of importance to technology and aviation through our tweets.
Let us borrow from Apollo 11 legacy
By Dan Odido
August 02, 2019
The Apollo project resulted in a raft of innovations that still define the state of the art in areas of renewable energy, materials science, medicine and nutrition. Kenya can derive several lessons from Project Apollo. Manufacturing is a sure way to create jobs and improve the quality of life for many.
Full story: Daily Nation
Twiga’s vantage view of the looming decimation in the savannah
By Daniel Odido
April 22, 2019
Wildlife population continues to decline under from the effects of poaching, climate change, loss of habitat and disease. Several rangers are killed in the war with poachers. The solution to these challenges are at hand. Technology can greatly assist in combating each of the challenges. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and satellites should be leveraged to fight the looming decimation of wildlife. Local capability should be build in the design of systems and analysis of data.
Mandatory Baggage Handling Questions: cultural sensitivities
By Daniel Odido
February/March, 2019
Mandatory baggage handling questions have been used as part of the aviation security measures to guarantee safety of the aircraft and its passengers. The unambiguous questions are used as part of an evaluation of the threat posed by the traveller. While the responses to the questions taken alone are of limited utility, they can prove useful when evaluated in conjunction with the non-verbal behaviour of the subject. Airport security has however, as Daniel Odido explains, hitherto not paid adequate attention to the cultural peculiarities of travellers, leading to accusations of unfair profiling.
Full Story: Aviation Security International
Regulator should rein in utilities gone berserk, stop ‘Open Sesame’
By Dan Odido
December 4, 2018
Monopolies in the energy sector have failed to provide consumers with acceptable service level. The goings-on at Kenya Pipeline Corporation, KPC must be stemmed. The Energy Regulatory Commission should rein in state corporations that have slept on their mandate.
Full Story: Daily Nation
If fossil fuel is too expensive, go for biodiesel to fuel cars
By Dan Odido
October 8, 2018
Popularising the use of renewable energy has several benefits to the economy. It enhances energy independence; develops non-traditional industries, broadens the manufacturing base and provides employment. The policy framework is largely in place and it is up to the innovators to take up the challenge and provide us with affordable and cleaner energy.
Full Story: Daily Nation
Engineers in Kenya should lead way in innovation
By Dan Odido
September 5, 2018
Engineers in Kenya have not made their impact felt in society. They should provide the lead by introducing sorely required innovations in, for example, renewable energy, building materials and technology and manufacturing. Innovation based on science and technology has a profound contribution to an economy and should be embraced.
Full Story: Daily Nation
Potential benefits aside, the use of drones should concern us all
By Dan Odido
July 30, 2018
Drone technology is causing great disruptions across the world. Many jurisdictions are still trying to find ways of accommodating their use. Widespread usage will result in concerns of Safety, Security and Privacy. Everyone will be affected by these issues.
Full Story: Daily Nation
State should provide new and bold aviation policy
By Dan Odido
June 24, 2018
The policy on aviation requires to be aligned with the requirements of the 21st century. A new focus on manufacture of aircraft and components should be clearly stated and supported. The aviation industry needs to move from the prohibitive constraints to a more participatory and accommodative regulation regimen.
Full Story: Sunday Nation
Learning from air tragedies: Lessons from the Aberdares plane accident
By Dan Odido
June 10, 2018
The Aberdares crash was the first accident on Kenyan soil with fatalities this year. It caused the loss of ten lives. Human error is likely to be cited as a contributory factor, either on the side of the flight crew, air traffic control or maintenance.
Full Story: Sunday Nation
Five airlines face sanctions for flouting aviation regulations
February 13, 2018
Five airlines face sanctions from KCAA for using their aircraft to transport cargo, whereas they are licensed to carry only passengers. “The airlines that were intercepted were licensed to carry passengers only not to also operate as cargo airlines which is contrary to the licence conditions,” said [Transportation Secretary] Mr Macharia. Does KCAA have provisions for licensing combined passenger and freight operations?
Full Story: Business Daily
Kenya Airways in Inflight Entertainment (IFE) services deal with Panasonic
February 12, 2018
Panasonic has announced an agreement to provide inflight entertainment (IFE) to 24 of Kenya Airway’s narrow body aircraft. “…Our world-class IFE systems will offer the airline and its passengers an unrivalled and memorable entertainment experience”, opines Sean Gavin, Vice President of Panasonic Technical Services at Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
Full Story: Panasonic
Air ticket respite as countries sign aviation pact
“Signing of SAATM is expected to result in a 25 per cent drop in air ticket prices”. This seems to me to be overly optimistic. 5th freedom rights may marginally benefit the major carriers, like Ethiopian Airlines. A huge contribution to high air ticket prices is the taxes imposed by the respective governments. This can be clearly observed if you consider the high domestic fares even in countries with domestic competition. Domestic fares would thus not drop significantly even will full cabotage, which in any case is not addressed by SAATM (YD). Fares between some countries will see some drop.
Full Story: The East African
Drones set a Guinness World Record at the Winter Olympics
Drones have got popular application in events coverage. More than 1,200 Intel Shooting Star drones performed a light show for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Although the show was pre-recorded, some 300 of them made a live appearance.
Full Story: Mashable
Electric Airplanes Are the Future of Pilot Training
Don’t you just wish that this project had taken off? “Electric airplanes will change everything when it comes to the cost of flying…. Taking into account maintenance and fuel costs, the two-seat Sun Flyer will cost about $5 an hour to operate, compared to $73 an hour for a Cessna 172“. The first units were to be ready for production in 2017. The target market for E-fan 2.0 was initially for pilot training whereas E-Fan 4.0 was to be a four seat touring aircraft. The E-Fans 2.0 and 4.0 where however dropped in favour of E-Fan X, a hybrid-electric regional jet-sized aircraft. An initial service date is now scheduled for 2030.
Full Story: Wired
UAS regulations must not stymie the industry
May 15, 2019
Greenwashing: The present danger in ecotourism
May 08, 2019
Top 10 free and paid data recovery software to get back your files
May 01, 2019
Space agency makes tentative steps to spur industry
April 24, 2019
Barking up the wrong tree in aviation security
April 17, 2019
Entrepreneurship and careers in aviation
April 3, 2019
Aeroplanes losing their way in the sky – why it happens
March 27, 2019
Accident investigations focus on cause, not blame
March 20, 2019
The Boeing 737 Max 8: Taking no chances with technology
March 13, 2019
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UPCOMING EVENTS
7th Aviation Stakeholders Convention (AFRAA)
Date(s): 08 – 10 April 2018
Location: Zanzibar
Website: www.afraa.org
Aviation Africa 2018
Date(s): 17 – 18 April 2018
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Website: www.aviationafrica.aero
June 2018
AviaDev 2018
Date(s): 12 – 14 June 2018
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Website: www.aviationdevelop.com