Kenya Airways Partners with Mang'u High to Inspire the Future Generation of Aviators

At Kenya Airways (KQ), we believe in connecting people, cultures, and markets across Africa and the world. But our commitment extends beyond the skies. We trust in investing in the future of aviation, nurturing the talent that will shape the industry for generations to come.

For this reason, we donated the decommissioned Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft to Mangu High School , an institution with rich history in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and aviation education. This landmark initiative marks a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership with the school, further solidifying our commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, our, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer (CSIO), Hellen Mathuka aptly noted, “This aircraft, which once soared through the skies connecting people and places, now begins a new chapter in its story. At Mangu High School , it will become a unique classroom, a hands-on resource to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in aviation, engineering, and technology.”

Formally inspected and accepted by a delegation from Mangu High School in 2023, this particular Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft has had a story to tell. Having faithfully served countless passengers across the African continent and beyond, with over 56,000 flight hours, its journey would now take a different turn, landing not on a runway, but on the hallowed grounds of Mangu High School as an invaluable educational tool.

With its established tradition, the school has cultivated a passion for aviation among its students. And its passion for aviation has a unique story of its own. Decades ago, in the 1960s, the school received its first Glider, a gift from the Marianist Fathers. This ignited a spark in the hearts of young students, inspiring them to dream of soaring above the clouds.

The arrival of the Cessna Caravan in the 1990s further fueled this ambition, offering students a glimpse into the intricacies of aviation. Now, with the majestic Boeing 737-700 NG gracing their school, the students of Mang'u are poised to touch the very heart of aviation., in continuing the legacy.

This magnificent aircraft, a symbol of our pioneering spirit, will transform learning. Students will have the unique opportunity to explore this testament to aviation engineering, tracing the flight path of countless journeys and deciphering the complex network of wires and systems. They will gain practical insights into various aspects of aviation, including aircraft maintenance procedures, emergency response protocols, cabin service practices, ground crew operations, avionics technology, and aircraft inspection techniques.

The project was made possible through a collaborative effort involving KQ, the KCB Bank Group , Nation Media Group , Crown Paints Kenya Plc , and The Bonafide Group.

Our partnership with Mang’u therefore, goes beyond the aircraft donations. We are committed to providing students with real-world experiences.

Evidently, the impact of this partnership has long sailed sea. Many of our talented pilots, currently over 40 pilots and over 20 aeronautical and aerospace engineers, lawyers and aviation professionals are proud alumni of Mangu High School . Their success stories have set a legacy of inspiration, a legacy of achievement, and a legacy of hope for the future of Kenyan aviation and our belief in the power of education and collaboration.

It’s expected that the demand for pilots and engineers will grow exponentially over the next twenty years. Therefore, by investing in the education and inspiration of young minds, we aim to cultivate a skilled and passionate aviation workforce, ensuring the continued growth and success of the Kenyan aviation sector exemplifying the power of industry-academia collaborations. Together with Mang'u, we will continue to nurture these dreams, ensuring that the Pride of Africa continues to guide the next generation of aviators on their own journeys of discovery.