Kenya Airways makes positive strides towards revolutionising aviation education in Kenya.
Kenya Airways (KQ) and London Metropolitan University (London Met) are proud to announce a landmark partnership aimed at transforming aviation education and workforce development. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at KQ Pride Centre, attended by key stakeholders from both organisations, government officials, and industry regulators.
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
This strategic partnership underscores Kenya Airways’ commitment to fostering industry-academic collaboration, enhancing employee capabilities, and driving innovation in the aviation sector. By leveraging London Met’s world-class academic expertise and KQ’s industry leadership, the partnership will provide KQ employees with access to specialised training programmes, academic advancement opportunities, and cutting-edge research in aviation.
A Vision for the Future of Aviation
Speaking at the event, Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, emphasised the transformative potential of the partnership. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence, and the development of human capital. By investing in education and skills development, we are not only empowering our employees but also shaping the future of aviation in Kenya and beyond.”
Empowering Talent and Driving Innovation
Tom Shivo, Chief Human Resources Director at Kenya Airways, highlighted the partnership’s focus on employee growth and development. “Our people are the backbone of our success. This partnership will provide our employees with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and contribute to the continued success of Kenya Airways. It’s an investment in our most valuable asset—our talent.”
To ensure the highest quality of education, KQ has applied for a tertiary institution licence from the TVET Authority, which is currently under review. During this interim period, the specialised courses will be available exclusively to KQ employees. Once government approval is secured, the programme will extend to the broader public, offering affordable and accessible training across Kenya and the region.
As the partnership unfolds, a suite of aviation-focused degree programmes will be introduced, including master’s programmes in Airline & Airport Corporate Management and Aviation Management in the Digital Age, as well as a bachelor’s programme in Airline, Airport & Aviation Management.
Complementing these programmes, London Metropolitan University will provide a 70% scholarship for KQ employees pursuing aviation-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Additionally, the university will supply essential training resources, workshops, and certificates, with the potential for scholarship benefits to extend to employees’ family members.
The partnership aligns with Kenya Airways’ strategic initiative to strengthen industry-academic ties, enhance workforce capability, and drive innovation in aviation. It also reflects London Met’s commitment to global collaboration and its mission to provide transformative educational experiences. The MoU signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Education, Transport, and Foreign Affairs, industry regulators, and the British High Commission.
This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in aviation education and workforce development. Kenya Airways and London Metropolitan University are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that the aviation industry is equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
