List of Aviation Colleges in Kenya (Fees Structure Included)

This article was amended on June 2, 2024: Added five aviation colleges in Kenya including their fee structure and courses offered. Also added information on how to choose the best aviation school in Kenya.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a pilot? Read on to find out the list of best aviation colleges in Kenya. If you cleared your KCSE and are looking for a course to pursue? I know at some point in life, you might have dreamed of being a pilot or even part of the cabin crew.

Maybe your dream should not just die without being actualized. Or perhaps you might be looking for a college for your sibling, child or friend to study in. It may also be that you are looking for information, then look no further. Today’s article seeks to address the various aviation colleges in Kenya as well as their fees structure.

1. Nairobi Aviation School

This college has been in existence for more than 20 years, offering a wide range of courses that are certified by various institutions. KASNEB accredits some of their classes, KNECK, and ICM as well as the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Moreover, the school has two major branches, one in Mombasa and another one in Kisumu.

Due to the tremendous growth that this college has been experiencing over the past few years, the college is set to upgrade to a University. This upgrade also comes with a change of name to Africa Aviation University.

Aviation Courses Offered At Nairobi Aviation School

1. School of Aeronautical Engineering – In this school, the college offers a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. To undertake this diploma, one needs to have a minimum qualification of C-. The period to complete this course is three years.
2. School of Aircraft Operations – This school has various courses offered in it. These courses include:

• Air Cargo introduction provided both a Diploma for 18 months and a certificate for six months and it was examined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Diploma in Cargo Rating, also examined by IATA for six months
• Air operations is offered at both certificate level for six months and diploma level for 18 months and it is examined by IATA.
• Certificate in Air passenger handling which takes six months to complete and is also examined by IATA
• Dangerous Goods and Regulations(initial stage) document which, unlike the others, takes only four months to complete.

• School of clearing and forwarding – This school has four main courses all offered at the diploma level. They include

• Diploma in International Freight Management which takes only 18 months and is examined by Knec
• Advanced Diploma and Diploma in Shipping Management which is reviewed by the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM)
• The school also offers a Computerized Diploma in Customs, Clearing, and Forwarding over 12 months and is examined by ICM.
• Twelve months for Diploma/ Adv. Diploma in Maritime Management

How does one go about applying to the Nairobi School of Aviation, and what are the fees charges?

• One has to make an online application online
• In this application, you will be required to upload your KCSE certificate and a passport photo.
• Moreover, the school has a May intake, so hit the button above and make that application
• The school has various modes of paying fees. One could either use a banker’s cheque or deposit it to the school’s bank account.

2. Kenya School Of Flying

This school is fully equipped with training professional pilots in Kenya.  The school has four main flight bases with the headquarters being located at Wilson airport. The other three stations are located at Orly Air Pack, Malindi as well as Ukunda Airstrip. It’s worth noting that the school has four main intakes that are in January, April, July, and October.

Minimum Requirements For Joining Kenya School Of Flying

• One must have attained at least a C+ in English, Mathematics, Geography, and either Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.
• 16 years and above
• At least five lessons in flight assessment
• Have been examined by a certified aviation medical examiner and hold a fitness certificate
• Have copies of ID, KCSE certificate, birth certificate, or passport.
• Written evaluations in psychometric testing, Maths, and English

This school offers the following aviation courses in Kenya

• Private pilot license – This course takes around 4- 6 months and will involve around 45 flying hours and revision as well as ground school instruction. The fees charged for this course amount to around Ksh 1,014,000. However, this cost is due to change as a result of fluctuation in currency.
• A commercial pilot license – This is an aviation course offered by the Kenya School of Flying. Since it’s a pilot license, the course takes a slightly longer period which is eight to 12 months. More than the 45 flying hours undertaken in the pilot’s private license course, a student taking this course will do an additional 155 hours of flying. The total fees charged by Kenya School of Flying for this course is around Ksh. 2,519,480.
• Initial Instrument or Multi-Engine rating – Among the courses discussed above, this course takes the shortest time to complete. A student only has to put six months into this training to be a pro in it. Here a pilot spends a minimum of 20 hours in a simulator and another 20 hours on Twin Seneca. Total fees for the initial instrument or multi-engine rating course is only Ksh. 1,340,840.

3. Epic Aviation College

In addition to the colleges mentioned above, Epic Aviation College is also a top aviation college operating in Kenya. Moreover, this school tops the least affordable aviation colleges in Kenya. This school started in 2004 and offered various aviation courses. Epic Aviation College offers the following courses:

• Foundation level in Diploma in cargo handling, which is examined by IATA. The duration of this course is a year.
• Diploma in-flight Operations and dispatch which takes nine months.
• The Cabin Crew diploma takes nine months and is examined by IATA
• Computer Air travel operations diploma takes 18 months and is also examined by IATA
• Another course is a diploma in aviation security which runs for 12 months and is examined by IATA

4. Kenya Aeronautical College

This school started in the early 2000s precisely in 2003. This school is among the top aviation colleges in Kenya. Over the years, the school has continued to increase the number of courses offered in it. All applications are made online. Popular courses offered at Kenya Aeronautical College are listed below:

• Avionics – this course is for anyone with an interest in the electronic aircraft system. The total fee for taking this course is around Ksh. 162,000.
• Airframes and engines course –  the fees to take this course are the same as those for avionics. Moreover, the course is for anyone who wants to know about the control and development of airframes.
• Flight operations – this course will cost slightly less than the first one mentioned. Total fees charged are only Ksh. 125,000.
• Cabin crew course – total costs is Ksh 85,000. This course familiarises one with the aircraft environment.
• Flying – Total school fees are around 728,500 with around 47 flying hours. Here one will learn all they need to fly an aircraft.
• Maintenance and engineering – for anyone who wants practical experience in aircraft maintenance, this is the course for you. The total fees charged by the college is around Ksh. 16,200
• Ticketing and pricing – here is for pricing and ticketing. The total costs are around Ksh. 8500
• Flight dispatch – The training here is in aviation weather, aircraft performance and systems, air control, and traffic procedures.

5. East Africa School Of Aviation

The East Africa School of Aviation is one of the best aviation colleges in Kenya. Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) appointed this school to be its training directorate. Moreover, this school is approved by IATA, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as an approved training organisation.

This school has the following departments:

• Aviation Business department
• Air navigation services and maintenance
• Curriculum development

Moreover, this school has all the information regarding the various courses offered, the fee structure, and the level it is appropriate for on its website.

6. West Rift Aviation School

This aviation school was founded in 2013 and is distinguished not only by being one of Kenya’s best flight schools but also by its dedication to quality instruction at a reasonable cost. It serves prospective aviators of all skill levels with a wide range of courses, including PPL, CPL, ATPL, FOO, IR, and more.

Motivated by a goal to offer the best aviation education possible at reasonable costs, the school offers a growth development-friendly learning atmosphere. By involving them in immersive activities and experiences, the West Rift Aviation Club also ignites a passion for aviation in young people between the ages of 12 and 17.

Courses offered include:

• Private Pilot License
• Commercial Pilot License
• Airline Transport Pilot License
• Flight Instructor Rating Multi-engine Instrument Rating
• Flight Dispatch License
• Conversion and Renewal Courses

Fees: The average training cost total for PPL is Ksh 690,300.

7. Ninety-Nines Flying School

Ninety-Nines Flying School, a well-known aviation training facility with full services for individual, commercial, and airline sector training, is situated in Nairobi, Kenya. The school has been known for providing excellent flight instruction since its founding in 1975 and has a wealth of expertise in training pilots from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

They provide a variety of courses, such as Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Airline Transport License, and Jeppesen Dispatcher Certification. Being open seven days a week, the school guarantees flexibility and accessibility for those who want to become pilots.

Their fleet is prepared to effectively meet training demands because it is outfitted with a simulator and is backed by a group of eleven engineers. Contact information includes a phone number, email address, and location at Wilson Airport in Nairobi for individuals who might like to get in touch.

Courses offered include:

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MIR) 
• Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL)
• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI)

Fees: To inquire about specific costs and account information about programs at Ninety-Nines Flying School, please contact the admissions office.

8. Flight Training Center

With additional bases in Nyeri and along the Kenyan coast, Flight Training Centre Ltd. (FTC), a well-known aviation training center, has its headquarters located in Nairobi, Kenya. With a wide range of courses that include multi-engine and instrument ratings, FTC offers prospective pilots everything from Private Pilot License (PPL) to Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Remarkably, the facility has added helicopter training with the R44 to its list of services.

FTC is proud of its staff of extremely skilled flight instructors who are all passionate about teaching pilots. To promote an environment that is favorable for learning, the center also helps foreign students apply for student visas and offers reasonably priced accommodation choices.

Courses offered include:

• Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MIR)
• Private Pilot License 
• Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI)

Fees:  They vary with the courses and the centers.

9. Alpha Aviation Flying School

Alpha Aviation Flying School is widely recognized as the leading flight training establishment in Kenya. With its cutting-edge facilities, the school provides pupils with all they need for an all-encompassing education.

With a staff of seasoned professionals and a varied fleet of six aircraft, Alpha Aviation guarantees that students receive the best training and direction possible to start a successful aviation career.

The school provides a large selection of courses designed to help students advance more quickly in the aviation sector. In addition, there are other courses that may be taken to accommodate other hobbies and career options for people who are not inclined towards flying.

Courses offered include:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Cabin Crew Training
• Mechanical Engineering
• Flight Operation Dispatch
• Multi-ir training
• Mechanical engineering
• Flight Instructor Training
• Cabin crew

Fees: Varies from course to course and the period the course will take.

10. Kenya Airways Pride Centre

Well-known as one of Kenya’s top aviation schools, they provide a wide range of conveniently accessible courses to accommodate different interests. Under the guidance of an experienced group of specialists with extensive knowledge of the aviation sector, students are given thorough instruction.

Regarding infrastructure, the school has a wide range of tools and resources. A secure study atmosphere is guaranteed by their excellent security services, and free internet access adds even more value to the educational experience.

Courses offered include:

• Aviation Security
• Jeppesen’s Flight Dispatcher Course
• Cargo Courses
• Dangerous Goods Regulations
• Iata Regional Training Partner
• Fares and ticketing
• Flight operations training
• Ground Operations
• Ground Support Equipment Training
• Technical Training
• New Aviation

Fees: Inquire with the institution

How To Choose The Best Aviation School In Kenya

Conduct Research

Start by thoroughly investigating the Kenyan aviation schools that are offered. To obtain in-depth information, use search engines like Google or Bing and peruse directories, websites, and forums related to the aviation sector.

Verify Accreditation

Verify whether the aviation school is accredited by Kenya’s pertinent regulatory agencies. A certificate of accreditation guarantees the caliber of aviation instruction given and denotes compliance with industry standards.

Assess Reputation

Examine online reviews, ratings, and recommendations from past students or professionals in the sector to determine the reputation of potential aviation schools. Reports and articles can also provide information on the school’s reputation.

Review Curriculum And Facilities

Check to see if the curriculum, facilities, and equipment at the school meet the most recent industry standards. A strong learning environment is indicated by the use of modern training tools and simulations.

Evaluate Faculty Expertise

Examine the credentials and background of the instructors and personnel at the school. Verify that they have the training, credentials, and real-world experience necessary to provide quality aviation instruction.

Consider Student Support Services

Examine the availability and caliber of services for students, including academic support, career counseling, and help finding employment. These tools are essential for helping students succeed.

Financial Considerations

Compare the total cost of tuition and related fees to the value of the education received. Make sure the financial commitment fits both your aspirations for a high-quality education and your budget.

FAQs – Aviation Colleges In Kenya

Which Courses Are Available At Aviation Schools In Kenya?

Private pilot license (PPL), commercial pilot license (CPL), airline transport pilot license (ATPL), aircraft maintenance engineering (AME), air traffic control (ATC), cabin crew training, and aviation management are just a few of the courses offered by Kenyan aviation schools.

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Aviation Course In Kenya?

Each program and institution has a different course duration. A commercial pilot license, on the other hand, can take two years to obtain, whereas a private pilot license might take six months.

What Are The Requirements For Admission To Aviation Schools In Kenya?

The requirements for admission to Kenyan aviation schools vary according to the school and program. Generally, applicants need to be at least 17 years old, have a current medical certificate, and have a high school graduation.

What Is The Cost To Attend An Aviation School In Kenya?

The costs related to enrolling in aviation schools in Kenya may differ depending on the particular program and establishment. A private pilot license course, for example, may cost about Ksh 1,500,000, whereas a commercial pilot license course could cost up to Ksh 5,000,000.

What Career Prospects Exist In Kenya After Finishing An Aviation Course?

Jobs like commercial pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, air traffic controller, cabin crew member, or aviation manager are among the alternatives available for post-aviation courses in Kenya.

Do Aviation Schools In Kenya Offer Financial Aid Options For Students?

Financial aid options, like as student loans and scholarships, are offered by Kenyan aviation schools. Students can also look for financial assistance through private or public student loans.

Conclusion

Despite the massive amount of costs, one has to incur while studying for a course in aviation; it is one of the most rewarding course to undertake. However, the course will require you to be disciplined and dedicate a tremendous amount of time and effort to qualify. Therefore, please stop dreaming and stand up and start acting on your dream.

Don’t fail to reach out in case of anything.