Kenyanization Project

AIM AIR does not to date have any Kenyan pilots serving on our staff. This is an anomaly among aviation operators here in Kenya, where every other flight organization has one or more Kenyan pilots. There are reasons why AIM AIR stands apart, the most obvious being that we do not pay salaries to our pilots because all are financially supported by churches, individuals and organizations other than AIM. “Volunteer aircrew” are a critical component of AIM AIR’s operating structure, enabling us to keep the cost of flying as low as possible for those we serve.

Kenyan pilots have applied to AIM AIR a number of times over the years. AIM AIR has invited them to join our staff, but only as a member of Africa Inland Mission, or some other Christian mission organization, with the requisite financial support behind them. No qualified Kenyan applicants have pursued this offer to join our team of missionary aviators. The local industry provides much better salaries and requires much less commitment.

After extensive discussion and prayerful review of this issue, there is a consensus that the best way for AIM AIR to bring on Kenyan pilots is to have them come in the same way as all our pilots – as missionary volunteers, supported by overseas partnering churches and individuals. Sponsored maintenance and flight training in the USA will provide the technical excellence AIM AIR requires, while enabling a candidate to build a support structure that will send him and keep him on the mission field. At present, this program is likely the most important project for AIM AIR’s long term ministry in East Africa.

This project addresses the need for funding to achieve this goal. It is a five year project with a projected cost of $145,000.

For more information about the program, contact the AIM AIR General Manager.

< Back to the projects page