NAIROBI, Kenya – A decommissioned Kenya Airways plane has been donated to Mang’u High School by the national airline Kenya Airways (KQ).
Kenya Airways stressed that the action will assist in increasing the usefulness of aviation courses in the educational sector.
KQ Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Hellen Mathuka presided over the handing-over ceremony on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
“This aircraft, once soaring the skies, now begins a new chapter as a learning resource to inspire and equip future aviators, engineers, and innovators,” said Mathuka.
Kenya Airways began operations on February 4, 1977, succeeding East African Airways after its dissolution.
What Dr Wilfred Kiboro told Mang’u High School students
Nation Media Group (NMG) board chairman Dr Wilfred Kiboro had some wise words for the overexcited Mang’u High School students who were present to receive the aircraft during the ceremony.
“I want to tell the students that where you come from and where you are does not define what you become in the future. And what you become in the future is entirely up to you. It is not up to your parents’ circumstances but what you want to do. You also have some ambition and objective where you want to be,” said Dr Kiboro.
Dr Kiboro highlighted the company’s role in shaping future aviators. NMG is one of the partners under the Wings of Innovation program.
“So, the young men and women at Mang’u, I just hope that through the education you will get, be it in aviation or engineering, what you become in life is to become a good person,” said Kiboro, an engineer in the profession.
‘The plane will enhance our learning…’ KQ relocates aircraft to Mang’u High School in efforts to inspire students to pursue careers in aviation. #WingsOfInnovation
Mang’u High School Chief Principal John Kuria expressed gratitude, saying that it has been a long journey that started in 2021.
“I talked about it to the students, and it reached a time when I was not talking about it anymore because it took a little longer, but God’s time is the best. I am happy that, as the CEO of the school, I will deliver the plane to the school,” Kuria said during the event, which Nairobi Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo also attended.
How many years will Mang’u High School celebrate this year
According to the school head, Mang’u has been turning 100 years since it started in 1925.
“In the early second term, we shall have the centenary celebrations. Since Mang’u turned 100, it has been 100 years of excellence. Excellence in all disciplines, and just the other day, the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations were released, and our students performed excellently. 107 As is not a mean achievement. We are turning 100 years with a bang,” explained Kuria.
Kuria further said that the Kenya Airways relocation of the aircraft to Mang’u High School will inspire students to pursue careers in aviation.
“The addition of a Boeing 737 to Mangu High School’s fleet marks a new era in aviation education,” said Kuria.
Meanwhile, the Boeing 737-700 NG transport is set to go to Mang’u High School through the Eastern Bypass and Thika Road.
Motorists and other road users have been urged to remain vigilant and respect the convoy’s movement.
