The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is set to launch aviation training through simulation in public schools in a bold bid to address the acute shortage of pilots and aviation professionals in the country.
Speaking during a presentation by a local aviation school, KICD Chairperson Prof Simon Gicharu revealed that the institute is actively working to incorporate aviation simulation into the competency-based curriculum. The initiative aims to democratise access to aviation training and spark interest in aviation careers among students, especially those in public schools.
“For years, aviation training has been seen as a preserve of the elite,” Prof Gicharu said. “We are making significant progress to introduce simulation training to inspire the next generation of pilots. This programme will be piloted in phases using technology.”
Kenya’s aviation sector is currently grappling with a brain drain, with foreign airlines recruiting trained Kenyan pilots amid global fleet expansion. High training costs have long discouraged many aspiring aviators in Kenya, contributing to the talent gap in the industry.
The new programme will allow students to interact with flight simulators, offering a realistic cockpit experience to build early skills and confidence. Prof Gicharu emphasized the importance of early exposure to aviation careers including pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft engineers.
A few public schools like Mang’u High School have already taken steps in this direction. The school recently acquired a decommissioned Boeing 737-700 aircraft to enhance its aviation programme, supported by Kenya Airways and other partners.
In a related development, the National Treasury has released KSh 400 million for the partial completion of the KICD Education Resource Centre, which will act as a curriculum innovation and research hub for the country.
