The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has joined efforts to inspire young women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace, challenging longstanding gender barriers in the industry.
The KDF participated in the second Girls in Aviation Airshow Africa, held at Northlands in Ruiru over the weekend, where aspiring female aviators gained insights into military and civilian aviation careers.
The event brought together high school students, aspiring young women and aviation professionals for mentorship, networking, career guidance and interactive aviation displays designed to encourage greater female participation in the sector.
Service members from the Kenya Air Force and Kenya Army engaged participants through presentations and demonstrations at the Kenya Air Force booth, highlighting career opportunities in piloting, aircraft engineering, air traffic control and aviation medicine.
The activities provided young women with an opportunity to learn about the skills, training and determination required to build successful careers in aviation.
KDF pilots Major Sally Sabala, Major Catherine Ngaine and Major Nakel Aupe joined Zambian Air Force Pilots Major Thokozile Muwamba and Lieutenant Myriam Chibesa for a panel discussion on their professional journeys.
Drawing from their experiences, the military pilots shared the challenges and achievements that have shaped their careers, encouraging participants to pursue their ambitions with confidence, resilience and determination.
Their participation demonstrated the growing role of women in military aviation and the importance of providing mentorship to young people interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The KDF said its participation highlighted the value of military-civilian partnerships in nurturing young talent, strengthening STEM education and promoting gender diversity across the aerospace industry.
The engagement also reinforced the message that competence, commitment and resilience, rather than gender, determine success in aviation.
The Girls in Aviation Africa Foundation, a registered Kenyan non-profit organisation founded in 2021 by pilot Maseka Kithinji, organised the initiative to address barriers that limit young African women’s entry into aviation.
Through advocacy, mentorship and networking, the foundation seeks to broaden awareness of opportunities beyond piloting and cabin crew work, including aircraft maintenance, engineering, air traffic management and other specialised aerospace careers.
The airshow provided a platform for participants to interact with experienced professionals, ask questions and explore potential career paths in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
by Hellen Lunalo
