Students pursuing aviation courses have received a boost after a pact was signed between the Association of Kenya-Ethiopia Friends (AKEF) and the Ethiopian Aviation University and the Ethiopian Airlines on affordable training and apprenticeship. The pact will be in areas of subsidised training, apprenticeship and linkages of Kenyans students to the Ethiopian Aviation University and the airline. AKEF, an organisation formed by former mayors Chairperson, Joe Aketch said the partnership will make studying of aviation courses that are deemed expensive, affordable. Addressing aviation students at Mangu High School, Aketch, also former Nairobi mayor said Kenyans students pursuing Aviation courses will also be encouraged to study at the Ethiopian Aviation University. ‘Through the partnership, Kenyan students wishing to study at the Ethiopian Aviation University will get a special package at lower rates, adding that the University of Ethiopia was the best in East and central Africa. He called on aviation stakeholders to ensure the next generation across the African continent actively takes part in this aviation transformation development agenda that will give opportunities for new strategies for the growth of the sector that has remained dormant for decades. AKEF Treasurer John Mutahi who is also a former Thika Mayor noted that through the partnership in apprenticeship; aviation students will get exposure to the market. Mutahi revealed that they are in the process of networking with other former mayors globally in areas of partnerships and linkages to boost the sector. ‘Students will get industry exposure through internships, industrial training, and value added courses through the new technology, guest lecturers and workshops conducted by the aerospace industry experts,’ he said. Mangu High school Deputy Principal Peter Thairu decried that most students drop the aviation subject once they get to Form Two due to unaffordable fees. Thairu said the Aviation learning has been met by a lot of challenges ranging from lack of modern equipment and apparatus that fit the new airspace technology skills. He said the partnership would bring about hands-on training, thereby making the students marketable and also open up the aerospace and aviation sectors. Dickens Magak, KNEC examiner with Kenya Aviation Authority urged students in the country to take advantage of the collaboration and asked the government to identify a few aviation schools that require to be boosted. Magak said most schools face infrastructure, apparatus and well-equipped workshop challenges with low enrolment due to lack of these essential equipment.
Source: Kenya News Agency