Kenya Airways (KQ) has donated a decommissioned Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft to Mang’u High School – an institution with rich history in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and aviation education in Kiambu County, Kenya.
With this aircraft, the high school learners will have the opportunity to explore this testament to aviation engineering, tracing the flight path of countless journeys and deciphering the complex network of wires and systems. They will gain practical insights into various aspects of aviation, including aircraft maintenance procedures, emergency response protocols, cabin service practices, ground crew operations, avionics technology and aircraft inspection techniques.
This initiative – enabled by a collaborative effort involving KQ, the KCB Group, Nation Media Group, Crown Paints Kenya and Bonafide Group – marks a milestone in KQ’s partnership with the school, further solidifying their commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on January 12, Hellen Mathuka, KQ’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, noted: “This aircraft, which once soared through the skies connecting people and places, now begins a new chapter in its story. At Mang’u High School, it will become a unique classroom, a hands-on resource to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in aviation, engineering and technology.”
Formally inspected and accepted by a delegation from the high school in 2023, this particular aircraft has served countless passengers across Africa and beyond with over 56 000 flight hours.
The school has cultivated a passion for aviation among its students with a story of its own. In the 1960s, the school received its first Glider as a gift from the Marianist Fathers. Coupled with the arrival of the Cessna Caravan, a utility aircraft, in the 1990s, this offered students a glimpse into the intricacies of aviation.
“Our partnership with Mang’u, therefore, goes beyond the aircraft donations. We are committed to providing students with real-world experiences,” KQ commented on LinkedIn.
The impact of this partnership is evident in 40 pilots and over 20 aeronautical and aerospace engineers, lawyers and aviation professionals who are alumni of Mang’u High School. Their success stories have set a legacy of inspiration, achievement and hope for the future of Kenyan aviation.
“It’s expected that demand for pilots and engineers will grow exponentially over the next 20 years. Therefore, by investing in the education and inspiration of young minds, we aim to cultivate a skilled and passionate aviation workforce, ensuring the continued growth and success of the Kenyan aviation sector, exemplifying the power of industry-academia collaborations.” KQ stated.
