THE AVIATION INDUSTRY
In Kenya, the aviation industry constitutes about 5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. The sector provides more than 200,000 jobs, therefore a significant source of livelihood. Currently, a total of about twelve airlines undertake flights in the country’s domestic market. The leading company in the industry is Kenya Airways and boasts a portion of about 19 percent in the market. Recently, the AirKenya Express has experienced significant expansion. In between 2014 to 2019, its domestic capability has almost tripled.
The International Air Transport Association(IATA) has revealed the economic significance of aviation and presented some chances of growth in around twenty years. According to Muhammed Ali Albakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, air transport has been a significant driver in Kenya’s economy in boosting tourism, attracting regional headquarters of multinational companies and fostering trade, logistics and foreign investment in the country. He further added that Kenya needs to improve infrastructure, open its skies, remain vigilant on safety, and aim at reaping from new technologies.
With all this exciting information, and regardless of being female, I would like to pursue a career in aviation because it is perceived as prestigious in my country, Kenya. I have been doing intensive research about the nature and requirements of the aviation industry, and it does not seem to attract a good number of ladies. Both in my nuclear and extended family, no single lady has ever thought of taking a flight, leave alone securing a job in the industry, possibly due to lack of awareness on how lucrative the career might be. According to my family friends and some few other seniors, aviation needs a lot of precision, a trait which, according to them, can only be found in males.
Despite these challenges and naivety among my close relatives, I have already decided to follow my heart and pursue a degree course in airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology in my home country. Having my airframe and power plant license will widen the scope of job opportunities and also the work venues. The stiff competition in the Kenyan job market also pushes me to this seemingly unique career since it does not attract every Jack and Mary. Being among the small number of Kenyan women and the pioneer from my family in the profession, navigating through the course successfully would mean so much to me. Pursuing a Master’s degree in the same area of specialization in America will be a good stepping stone for more opportunities.
After a comprehensive consultation, pursuing my further studies(masters) in America will be an added advantage since it is one of the continents whose ventures in the skies date back to the early years. In my opinion, the facilitators in the field have enough expertise and vast knowledge of aviation vessels. America is quite advanced in terms of technology, and therefore I will be better placed to handle sophisticated machinery. Since there are is a significant number of airlines in Africa and all looking for mechanics, welders, sheet metal technicians, and detailers, such skills will place me in a better position to go for the jobs. After the end of the program, I will fly back to my home country after the program, a different person: an airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technologist with specialized expertise.