Aviation training institution to be established at Pride Centre in Nairobi

𝐊𝐐 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

Kenya Airways (KQ) has partnered with London Metropolitan University to establish a quality aviation training institution at Pride Centre in Nairobi in a move meant to strengthen the African region’s aviation sector.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education Julius Ogamba said the collaboration aims to enhance the skills of Kenya Airways employees and equip the broader public with specialised competencies that increase their employability in a highly competitive global market.

The CS, who witnessed the agreement on Friday at KQ’s Pride Centre in Nairobi, emphasized that the inauguration is a significant milestone in Kenya and the region’s aviation sector since Kenya is strategically positioned as a regional aviation hub.

Ogamba, however, noted that the country faces a critical shortage of aviation training institutions, particularly in the technical and vocational space.

“This collaboration represents a critical step in addressing the current skills gap in Kenya’s aviation industry while strengthening our ability to compete in the global aerospace economy,” the CS emphasized.

CS Ogamba reiterated that the historic partnership between KQ and the London Metropolitan University is a timely intervention that will provide training opportunities to aspiring aviation professionals and set the stage for the provision of globally recognised aviation qualifications.

He reiterated that as the demand for skilled aviation professionals continues to grow, it is imperative that the government strengthen local capacity to produce qualified pilots, engineers and aviation management experts, which will be bridged by the partnership between KQ and the London Metropolitan University.

“The country lacks a dedicated university-level aviation degree program, which leaves many aspiring aviation professionals with limited opportunities to advance their studies locally,” he noted.

The CS also applauded the Kenya Airways’ Pride Centre, which is an International Air Transport Association (IATA)-certified for playing a pivotal role in aviation training since its establishment in 2007, since the institution continues to set standards in aviation education.

Additionally, he stressed that a well-trained workforce is at the heart of this vision, particularly in sectors that drive economic growth, such as aviation, transport, and logistics.

“By expanding access to world-class aviation education, this partnership will contribute directly to Kenya’s goal of becoming a middle-income economy with a globally competitive workforce by 2030,” he said, adding that Kenya’s Vision 2030 prioritises industrialisation and economic transformation.

The CS further commended KQ and the London Metropolitan University for forging the partnership and assured that the Ministry of Education will offer support in creating an enabling policy environment to foster the growth of aviation education in Kenya.

He also underscored the collective efforts will define the future of aviation training and ensure that Kenya remains at the forefront of the aviation industry in Africa and beyond.