NAIROBI, Kenya – Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua has officially become a licensed pilot, fulfilling a childhood dream that began when he watched aircraft flying over his childhood home in Riruta Satellite, Nairobi.
Mutua revealed the milestone on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, sharing details of his journey from a young boy fascinated by planes to a qualified private pilot with more than 300 flying hours.
The former Machakos governor also launched an aviation YouTube vlog, “Fly With Alfred Mutua,” where he plans to document his experiences in the cockpit and encourage young people to pursue their dreams.
Mutua said his fascination with flying began when he was about nine years old.
Growing up in Riruta Satellite, he regularly watched aircraft passing overhead and wondered what it would feel like to control one rather than simply travel as a passenger.
A school trip to Wilson Airport further strengthened his interest in aviation. During the visit, Mutua got an opportunity to see aircraft up close and explore their cockpits.
“One day, something stirred inside my nine-year-old skinny frame, and I wanted to fly one day – not as a passenger but as a pilot.”
His interest grew after he encountered books about aviation at the Kenya National Library. Mutua said the material introduced him to the history of flight and the development of aircraft.
“The book followed the history of the magic of flight, from the Wright brothers to current jets. I was hooked.”
Although the dream remained with him, Mutua did not immediately pursue pilot training. His education, career, family responsibilities and financial demands pushed aviation into the background for several years.
Mutua eventually decided to revisit his childhood ambition in 2023.
He enrolled for pilot training at Ninety Nine’s Flying School at Wilson Airport, while also undertaking training at the Kenya Aeronautical College.
Balancing the programme with his responsibilities as a Cabinet Secretary required a demanding schedule. Mutua said he studied late at night and used evenings and weekends for flying lessons.
“Many years later, life happened: family, children, career, no time, not enough money.”
Despite the challenges, he continued with the programme. Six months after beginning his training, Mutua completed his first solo flight. He later undertook a solo cross-country flight from Nairobi to Malindi, marking a major milestone in his aviation journey.
Mutua completed the required training and examinations and obtained his Private Pilot Licence (PPL) approximately seven months after beginning his formal pilot classes.
The licence allows him to fly privately rather than commercially. However, obtaining the PPL did not mark the end of his aviation ambitions.
Mutua continued flying and undertaking additional training on different aircraft in Kenya and South Africa, eventually accumulating more than 300 flying hours.
He said the experience has allowed him to visit different parts of the country from the air while continuing to develop his skills.
“Today, with over 300 hours, I fly whenever I can to different locations – which is basically every weekend.”
Alongside announcing his pilot qualification, Mutua launched his new aviation-focused YouTube vlog, “Fly With Alfred Mutua.”
The project will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his flying experiences and document some of the flights he has undertaken. The first episode features Mutua flying a Sling TSi aircraft from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Malindi.
During the journey, he made a detour over Masii, his home area, adding a personal element to the flight.
Mutua plans to release new episodes of the vlog every Thursday and Saturday.
The Cabinet Secretary said he decided to share his experiences because he wants his story to encourage young people who may have ambitions but lack the confidence or resources to pursue them.
“I have been recording my flying adventures and now want to share them with all, and especially you, so that every dreaming boy or girl is encouraged – to know that with God, determination and planning, everything is possible.
