Kenya Airways on Wednesday, September 20, handed over a Boeing 737-700 from its fleet to Mang’u High School.
The aircraft was handed over by Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen, who said that it was meant to boost the aviation curriculum.
Murkomen said that Boeing was meant to support Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) which focuses on highlighting students’ interests in particular areas of study.
CBC also aims at harnessing learners’ innate talents and converting their passions into careers.
“I wish to thank Kenya Airways for this commendable act of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that will inspire hope in the students of Mang’u High School,” Murkomen said.
He added that the availability of the aircraft at the school will assist in the modeling of students’ skills and transform abstract theories into practicable concepts.
The Transport CS explained that the KQ initiative underscores the importance of Public-Private Partnerships in advancing the government’s education and aviation reforms.
It also ensures that students have access to the requisite tools and opportunities necessary for the creation of successful careers.
“According to a recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa needs 55,000 skilled aviation professionals in the next two decades, including 15,000 pilots, 17,000 technicians, and 23,000 cabin crew,” he stated.
According to Murkomen, the government was planning to establish dominance in the continent’s aviation sector and export talent and skills to the continental and global markets.
He added that Kenya Airways also has an approved aviation school, known as the Pride Centre, that offers a range of courses to prepare candidates for a successful career in the aviation sector.
“To the students of Mang’u High School, I wish to encourage you to utilize this aircraft to sharpen your skills, and grow your passion and interest in aviation,” he explained.
Murkomen lauded Kenya Airways for enabling Kenya to churn out competent, skilled, and competitive talents to fill the existing vacancies in the aviation sector.