Meet some of Kenya’s most highly trained Kenya Air Force military jet pilots

Many Kenyans have watched Kenya Defence Forces pilots perform during national events, but few get to know the names of these men and women. Being a pilot is a dangerous yet highly coveted job.

A Kenya Air Force Pilot is a job only for the brave. It offers thrilling experiences of flying onboard modern state-of-the-art military planes to different countries.

Kenya Air Force pilots receive attractive salaries as part of their employment packages. Reports suggest that Kenya Air Force pilots earn monthly salaries ranging from Sh. 73,200 to Sh. 600,000 depending on experience, rank and other factors.

Despite the allure, it’s a career path reserved for a select few. However, being a Kenya Air Force pilot remains an in-demand job given the few pilots operating and controlling flights during missions.

To qualify for consideration, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a Kenyan citizen with no dual citizenship
• Must have attained at least a C plain grade in KCSE.
• Must not have any previous criminal records.
• Must be in good physical and medical condition.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a minimum height of 5 feet and 3 inches.
• Must demonstrate a fair understanding of the Kenyan constitution.

Becoming a Kenya Air Force pilot is a 5 step process that starts when you apply after the Kenya Air Force has announced online recruitment to the general public.

1. Flight training is done in the military, where the military covers all the fees.
2. Practicals are also done to see how competent a person is when it comes to flying.
3. Graduate as a Kenya Air Force pilot in the military.
4. Apply for a Kenya Airforce license, which authorizes you to fly Kenya Airforce planes.
5. Start working as a Kenya Air Force pilot.

Here are some of Kenya’s highly-ranked names in the Kenya Air Force:

1. Captain Collins Omoro

Captain Collins Omoro is one of the pilots serving with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) after joining the military in 2002. Two years later, in 2004, he transitioned to the Kenya Air Force (KAF) for pilot training.

In a past interview, the father of two embarked on his military career just months before beginning his Computer Science studies at Kenyatta University.

“The experience of flying the Hawk, the first jet in the UK Royal Air Force Valley was amazing. When I took off, the plane was moving very fast and the runway ahead was getting smaller at an alarming rate, I almost overshot the runway,” he said.

2. Captain Douglas Muthuri

Captain Douglas Muthuri, a fighter pilot with the Kenya Air Force, enlisted in 2004. Opting out of a formal career in computer science, he decided to follow his passion instead.

“I was enlisted into the KDF in the year 2002 August and KAF later in 2004. I joined Laikipia Air Base, Tactical Fighting Wing, No. 15 Tactical Fighter Squadron. I opted not to pursue a Computer Science degree at Moi University since the Air Force was where my heart belonged and I believe the job satisfaction I have right now is epic,” he said previously.

Growing up in Nanyuki meant that the proximity of Laikipia Air Base to Captain Muthuri’s home would have an influence over him.

“I grew up in the environs of Nanyuki and every now and then I could see fighter jets flying all around because of the proximity of Laikipia Air Base to our home. That is what kept fueling my burning desire to become a fighter pilot.”

3. Captain Cornelius Maiyo.

Captain Cornelius Maiyo was recruited into the KDF in 2001, then joined KAF in 2003 before being posted to Laikipia Air Base Tactical Fighter Wing as a squadron pilot in September 2006.

He explained that being a Kenya Air Force pilot is not an easy job particularly given the rigorous training sessions which take a toll on the body mentally and physically.

“Challenges vary from rigorous training, which is very involving physically, and psychologically. The training requires mental preparedness, physical fitness, and good physiological and psychological health. However, basic military training adequately prepares an officer for any task ahead.”

4. Colonel Eric Kinuthia

Colonel Eric Kinuthia joined the KDF in April 1987 and was assigned to KAF (FTS) at Moi Air Base. He went through basic and advanced flying training before eventually graduating on March 30, 1990.

Later, he was stationed at Laikipia Air base as a fighter pilot and has been flying jets since 1991. His initial experience took place in the US at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, where he spent one year before returning to the country.

List of courses offered at the National Defence University of Kenya

“I read to keep up with aviation world. I am also pursuing a degree in Business Management. I also engage in charity work whenever I can. I have a passion of working with children and usually mentor them in some of the children’s homes in Nanyuki.”

5. Major General John Omenda

Major General John Omenda joined the KDF in April 1987 and was stationed at laikipia air base as a fighter pilot. He has been flying jets since 1991.

Before 1991, he worked as an untrained teacher in local high schools for two years. In 2021, he was appointed Kenya Air Force commander.

“A fighter pilot is trained to be self-reliant in the air environment. This means that a fighter pilot flies, navigates, communicates, hunts, and engages enemy targets while defending himself from any danger,” he explained in a past interview.

He is a graduate of Defence Staff College of Kenya and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.  He holds a Diploma in Strategic Studies from University of Nairobi, Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict studies from Nazarene University and Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from Kings College, London.