China is revolutionizing urban transport with its Ksh42 million innovative air taxis, electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, positioning them as a major export. This technology could transform congested cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.

• These air taxis, like EHang’s EH216-S, operate without pilots, guided by AI and GPS, cruising at around 130 kilometres per hour for short urban routes up to 30 kilometres.
• China's Civil Aviation Administration was the first globally to certify autonomous passenger flights, dominating the supply chain for advanced batteries and drone technology.
• The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is updating regulations, such as the Surveillance and Collision Avoidance Systems Regulations, 2024, to prepare for the commercial operation of these air taxis, which could also be used for medical emergencies, policing, and firefighting.