Kenya Airways Inks Partnership Set To Introduce Degree Courses

Kenya Airways (KQ) has taken a significant step toward revolutionizing aviation education in Kenya through a landmark partnership with London Metropolitan University (London Met) in the United Kingdom (UK).

The collaboration formalized at the KQ Pride Centre through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, February 21, aims to enhance workforce development and bridge the gap between academia and the aviation industry.

The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from both institutions, alongside government officials, industry regulators, and representatives from the British High Commission.

A Bold Step Towards Innovation and Skills Development

This strategic alliance underscores Kenya Airways’ commitment to fostering industry-academic collaboration, strengthening employee expertise, and driving innovation in the aviation sector. By combining London Met’s globally recognized academic excellence with KQ’s industry leadership, the partnership will offer specialized training programs, career advancement opportunities, and cutting-edge aviation research.

Julius Migos Ogamba Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Education, Allan Kilavuka Group MD & CEO Kenya Airways, Prof Julie Hall - London Metropolitan VC and Dr Dusty Alahakoon – Faculty London Met at the Kenya Airways x London Metropolitan University MoU signing ceremony in Nairobi, February 21, 2025. /KENYA AIRWAYS

Speaking at the event, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director & CEO, Allan Kilavuka, emphasized the transformative potential of the collaboration.

“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," he remarked.

Investing in Talent and the Future of Aviation

On his part, the national airline's Chief Human Resources Director, Tom Shivo, highlighted the initiative’s focus on employee growth and professional 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," he weighed in.

To ensure the highest standards of education, Kenya Airways has applied for a tertiary institution license from the TVET Authority, which is currently under review.

During this interim period, the specialized courses will be available exclusively to KQ employees. Once government approval is secured, the program will be expanded to the general public, providing affordable and accessible aviation training across Kenya and the region.

Comprehensive Aviation Degree Programs and Scholarships

As the partnership evolves, a range of aviation-focused degree programs will be introduced, including:

• Master’s programs in Airline & Airport Corporate Management and Aviation Management in the Digital Age
• A Bachelor’s program in Airline, Airport & Aviation Management

To further support this initiative, London Metropolitan University will offer a 70 per cent scholarship for KQ employees pursuing aviation-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Additionally, the university will provide essential training resources, workshops, and certification programs, with potential scholarship extensions to employees' family members.

A New Era in Aviation Education

This collaboration aligns with Kenya Airways’ long-term strategy to strengthen industry-academic partnerships, enhance workforce capabilities, and drive innovation in aviation. It also reflects London Met’s commitment to global education and knowledge-sharing.

The MoU signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Education, Transport, and Foreign Affairs, as well as industry regulators and the British High Commission.

This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in aviation education, positioning Kenya Airways and London Metropolitan University at the forefront of shaping the future of the aviation industry through continuous learning, innovation, and excellence.