KQ and London Metropolitan University Partner to Establish Top-Tier Aviation Training Institution in Nairobi.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has entered into a collaboration with London Metropolitan University to establish a premier aviation training institution at the Pride Center in Nairobi. This initiative aims to bolster the aviation industry in Africa by providing top-tier training and skill development opportunities.
During the official launch and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, emphasized the significance of this partnership.
He noted that the initiative would not only enhance the competencies of KQ employees but also equip the general public with specialized aviation skills, improving their employability in the competitive global market.
Ogamba highlighted Kenya’s strategic position as a regional aviation hub but acknowledged a critical shortage of technical and vocational training institutions in the sector.
“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.
He stressed that this collaboration is a crucial step in addressing the skills gap while enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness in the global aerospace economy.
The Education CS reaffirmed that the partnership would provide aspiring aviation professionals with essential training opportunities, leading to globally recognized qualifications.
He underscored the necessity of strengthening local capacity to produce skilled pilots, engineers, and aviation management experts, an area that this collaboration aims to address.
Kenya currently lacks a university-level aviation degree program, limiting options for individuals seeking to advance their studies locally.
Contribution to Kenya’s Economic Goals
Ogamba commended Kenya Airways’ Pride Center, an International Air Transport Association (IATA)-certified institution, for setting high standards in aviation education since its inception in 2007.
The CS emphasized the importance of a well-trained workforce in driving economic growth, particularly in 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 prioritizes industrialization and economic transformation.
He further assured that the Ministry of Education would provide the necessary policy support to foster aviation education growth.
The Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’oei, noted that the launch aligns with Kenya Airways’ goal of solidifying its status as the Pride of Africa.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Joseph Masila, Sing’oei reiterated the government’s commitment to aviation regulation and policy development, ensuring accessible and high-quality training for all.
He stressed that inclusivity in education would benefit the entire aviation ecosystem, strengthening Kenya’s global and regional standing in the industry.
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London Metropolitan University Vice-Chancellor, Julie Hall, expressed pride in the partnership with KQ and optimism about the training opportunities it will offer.
She encouraged Kenyans to take advantage of the program, affirming her excitement in leading a university that plays a key role in aviation education, with support from the Ministry of Education.
Future of Aviation Training in Kenya
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, emphasized that the Pride Center would provide both theoretical and hands-on training, ensuring a forward-thinking approach to aviation education.
He described the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding as a commitment to the future of quality aviation training in the region.
This partnership marks a pivotal step toward elevating Kenya’s aviation training standards, fostering a skilled workforce, and reinforcing the nation’s role as a leader in the aviation industry across Africa and beyond.
KQ and London Metropolitan University Partner to Establish Top-Tier Aviation Training Institution in Nairobi.
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