The government his concerned over the looming shortage of pilots with relevant aviation skills beyond flying, advocating for a holistic approach to bridge the gap.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board Chairperson Caleb Koisitany states that the dynamics of civil aviation globally continue to deny most Kenyan-trained pilots expanded job opportunities.
Mr Koisitany maintains that the aviation regulatory body is advocating for a holistic approach to tackle the challenge of pilot shortages, which he termed a global crisis.
“The country faces a shortage of pilots with relevant aviation skills beyond flying. The aviation industry is growing big every day, and the competition is stiff. We are on the right track as the country trains our youths interested in aviation, “Said Koisitany. “KAA is rooting for a holistic approach to boost aviation schools. Wilson Airport remains the busiest airport in Africa, and 30 percent consists of aviation schools.
Mr Koisitany was speaking on Monday at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Headquarters in Nairobi during a Memorandum of Association (MOU) signing ceremony between the Eastern Africa, Baraton, and Kenya School of Flying to offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aviation Management Degree for pilots.
“A degree in aviation management will give Kenyan pilots a niche in the global market on top of the flying licences that most flying schools have been offering,” added Koisitany.
The lack of relevant aviation skills beyond flying is a setback that affects employment eligibility and competition globally.
Captain Joseph Martin Ririani, founder of the Kenya School of Flying and the country’s pioneering black pilot training institution, said that most Kenyan pilots are forced to pursue degrees that are not related to aviation in order to meet international market qualifications.
He stated that the introduction of the degree course will provide sufficient broad aviation skills that allow pilots to explore commercial airline practices, entrepreneurial skills, air traffic control, and qualify as aviation instructors.
“Kenyan pilots will no longer be required to travel to the US for aviation-related degrees that have been resource-intensive and a major setback to Kenya-trained pilots. Pilots should not only be able to have a command when flying but also in boardrooms,” said Capt Ririani, expressing optimism that the course will be a game changer in the aviation industry.
Students pursuing the piloting course said that having locally available relevant degrees will make access to their education more affordable and also save learning time.
The course, which also entails training pilots in foreign languages, will take four years, and pilots who qualify will be licensed, enabling them to compete for jobs globally.
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Paul Wahonya stated that the institution has identified the gap in pilot training and that the partnership is aimed at bridging it.
The course, which also includes training pilots in foreign languages and financial management, among other aviation-related subjects, will take four years, and pilots who qualify will be licensed, enabling them to compete for jobs globally.
KAA maintains that the expansion and improvement of the current runway at Wilson Airport is among ongoing initiatives geared towards ensuring safety, claiming that local aviation services have recorded a growth trajectory of 126 per cent in the last five years.
