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Mang’u High School has received a Boeing B737-700 aircraft from National Carrier Kenya Airways and a 5 Million Kenya shillings boost from KCB Bank to enhance its aviation learning preparation. This remarkable act serves as a commitment to support learning institutions dedicated to nurturing the next generation of aviators and enhancing the future of the aviation industry.
The aircraft handover ceremony which was presided over by Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Transport, Hon, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Kenya Airways Group MD and CEO, Allan Kilavuka seeks to not only provide valuable learning opportunities but also inspire youth to reach for the skies and pursue careers in aviation.
“Investing in education is investing in our nation’s future, and Kenya Airways’ generous donation of this aircraft to Mangu High School is a shining example of corporate social responsibility at its best. This initiative not only provides valuable learning opportunities but also inspires our youth to reach for the skies and pursue careers in aviation. I commend Kenya Airways and KCB for their commitment to education and their vision for a brighter future for our young minds,” said CS Murkomen.
Kenya Airways Group MD and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, stated, “We believe in the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of our youth.
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This Boeing B737-700 aircraft donation is true to our commitment to nurturing talent and driving economic growth, not only in Kenya but also on the broader African continent. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the profound impact this initiative will have on Mangu High School.”
The donation from KCB to the school will go towards equipping the school with aircraft learning equipment such as flight simulators and aircraft maintenance tools, providing students with hands-on experience and preparing the next generation of aviators.
KCB Group Director Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru said
“KCB remains committed to supporting the youth agenda and that includes access to skills development, business development support, and financing. We believe that a strong investment in our youth today is a recipe for economic growth. Through this sponsorship, our goal is to inspire students to take up a career in the aviation sector with a long-term goal of mainstreaming it in our curriculum.”
The aircraft, which has been decommissioned from service, will be painted by Kenya Airways in partnership with Crown Paints before being officially delivered to the school.
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“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission at Crown Paints, which is all about transforming schools and making them look good. We believe that a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in creating a positive and inspiring learning environment for students”, Said Crown Paints Kenya Group CEO Rakesh Rao.
Mang’u High School is one of the few public secondary schools in Kenya that offer the aviation program. It is heavily focused on technical skills such as propulsion, thermodynamics, and meteorology. The aviation students undertake their studies at Wilson Airport and Moi Air Base in Eastleigh.
Government statistics show that Kenya has a deficit of over 2000 pilots and has an ambition of training at least 800 annually in the next five years.