Kenya has taken a major step toward positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced aviation training following the launch of a new academic partnership linking African students to one of China’s top aerospace universities.
Harmonics Air Centre, in collaboration with Kenya Aeronautical College (KAC), has formalised a strategic training and research linkage with the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), a globally recognised centre of excellence in aircraft engineering, avionics, space science and advanced aviation technologies.
The initiative comes as Africa’s aviation sector rebounds from the effects of the pandemic and enters a projected period of rapid growth.
Passenger numbers and fleets across the continent are expanding, yet the supply of skilled pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers and aerospace researchers remains insufficient.
Industry projections suggest Africa will require tens of thousands of aviation professionals by the 2040s.
Kenya’s strategic location and strong aviation footprint—anchored by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest hubs—have positioned the country to play a central role in meeting this talent demand.
Engineer Ekhalie Javan Muliro, Director of Harmonics Air Centre, said the partnership with NUAA is designed to bridge that gap and open new global pathways for African students.
“Africa has the talent and ambition, but many students struggle to access internationally recognised aviation universities,” Eng. Muliro said. “This collaboration ensures African learners can train within one of Asia’s most advanced aerospace ecosystems and graduate globally competitive.”
NUAA, one of China’s most prestigious aeronautical institutions, is renowned for its extensive research infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, flight simulators, unmanned systems facilities and space technology centres. Its alumni occupy senior roles in global aerospace companies such as Airbus, Boeing, COMAC and Rolls-Royce.
Dean of NUAA, Prof. Liu Changjiang, said the university views Africa as a “dynamic and promising aviation market” and is committed to supporting its long-term human capital development.
Kenya Aeronautical College will serve as NUAA’s official liaison in Kenya, supporting student recruitment, academic preparation, regulatory processes and welfare. Engineer Samson Aketch, KAC Director, said the partnership strengthens Kenya’s growing status as a regional aviation training destination.
“This collaboration gives African students a clear progression route—from foundational training in Kenya to specialised aerospace education in China,” Eng. Aketch noted.
Speaking during an engagement at Kenya Aeronautical College in Nairobi, NUAA alumnus Dr Rupesh Regmi , CEO of WISEADMIT, said developing nations stand to gain immensely from China’s model of “frugal innovation,” especially in engineering and aviation studies.
“From a developing nation, we need affordable, world-class higher education,” he said. “China has shown us what scalable, accessible technological progress looks like. Students from countries like Kenya and Nepal can benefit greatly from this rise in engineering excellence.”
Dr. Rupesh , emphasised that Kenya, is a growing tourist hub with a rising interest in aviation, and well-positioned to benefit from China’s low-altitude economy research, particularly in drone technology
Beyond training, the partnership also aims to foster joint research, academic exchanges and long-term skills transfer between African and Asian aerospace institutions.
Industry analysts say the deal comes at a critical moment, as African airlines continue to expand routes and modernise fleets.
Without simultaneous investment in skilled personnel, they warn, the continent risks compromising safety, efficiency and competitiveness.
By connecting African learners with one of the world’s leading aerospace universities, the Harmonics Air Centre–KAC–NUAA collaboration represents a strategic response to the continent’s widening aviation skills gap—while further cementing Kenya’s emerging role as a continental training hub.
