The skies beckon Lanet's rising female aviators

For years, aviation has been seen as a man’s world, with flight decks, control towers, and aircraft hangars largely occupied by men. But that image is changing, as Kenyan schoolgirls boldly step into flight decks and embrace careers once deemed off-limits.

At the forefront of this transformation is Moi Forces Girls Academy Lanet in Nakuru, which has become one of the first public girls’ schools to introduce aviation as an examinable subject under the Competency-Based Education (CBE).

The initiative, brought about by the Young Aviators Club of Africa, has sparked a wave of interest, especially among female students who have long lacked access to such opportunities.

The course has attracted more than 40 girls in the school, who are learning the science and principles of flight, and most importantly, experiencing first-hand what it feels like to be in the skies.

The excitement is evident in their voices as they recount their first encounters with flying.

“I felt a thrill, especially while in the air, looking down at the world below. It inspired me to want to be a pilot because I have a spirit of adventure,” said Najma Ibrahim, her eyes lighting up as she described her first flight experience at Wilson Airport.

Shanon Kendi, one of the pioneers of the school’s aviators club, said that her love for travel drew her to aviation.

“I love travelling, and aviation gives me that opportunity. I also encourage other girls out there to join because aviation is not limited to boys. Girls have a chance too,” she said.

“If I had the power to change anything, I would balance the gender representation in aviation. More girls need to know they belong in this field.”

Her classmate, Sheryl Essie, confessed that while the experience was terrifying at first, it quickly became life-changing.

“At first, I didn’t know what career path to follow after high school. But when I joined the aviation club and had this flight experience, I discovered my passion. Now I’m determined to be a pilot,” she explained.
At the heart of this programme is Nicholas Waiganjo, a teacher at the school and patron of the Aviation Club of Africa.

“I have 40 girls in the aviation club, and their passion is unmatched. The subject is hands-on and practical, allowing students to fully experience aviation beyond textbooks. Even if they don’t all become pilots, the discipline, focus, and confidence they gain will shape their futures,” he explained.

Waiganjo believes that introducing aviation at school level is also about giving girls the confidence to pursue technical and science-driven fields.

“We want them to know that their dreams are valid, and that they can be pilots, engineers, or even airline executives,” he added.

The programme is supported by Flight Star Academy, a training institution that partners with the school to give students hands-on flying experience.

Instructors at the academy say they are encouraged by the determination of the young learners.

Benter Awuor, a female flight instructor with six years of experience, described the development at the school as historic.

“Seeing young girls get inspired to take up aviation is deeply fulfilling. This is how we break stereotypes. For me as a female instructor, watching them engage in flying is a dream come true,” she said.

Her colleague, Captain Michael Karori, emphasised their role as mentors in preparing the next generation.

“One day, I won’t be able to fly. But the girls we are mentoring today will take over tomorrow. That’s the future we are building,” he noted.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority estimates that women make up less than 10 per cent of licensed pilots and engineers in the country.