Being a pilot is one of the most handsomely paying careers in Kenya.
The pay averages Ksh. 250,000, with the highest-grossing pilots taking home a million and even more each month.
The pay includes allowances such as medical, transport, and housing, alongside other perks.
Qualified and certified pilots in Kenya can work in the private or commercial sectors and the military.
Among the household names in the aviation industry include Captain Ronald Karauri, the current Kasarani Member of Parliament, and his wife Ruth Karauri, who made headlines last year for bravely landing a KQ plane safely in a London airport amidst solid turbulence.
The Highest-Grossing Kenyan Pilot
As mentioned earlier, pilots enjoy a competitive monthly compensation, dependent on several factors, such as location, company, qualifications, and education.
Captain Irene Koki Mutungi tops the list of the wealthiest pilots in Kenya.
She flies commercial flights for Kenya Airways, taking home an astounding 1.6 million per month as a senior KQ captain.
Her net worth is estimated to be between $1million-$5million.
Irene has made a name for herself in Kenya and Africa as the first female pilot to fly a commercial pilot in 2004, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner craft.
She joined Kenya Airways in 1995.
Captain Irene Koki Mutungi’s Education Background
Irene grew up watching her father, a retired pilot, fly airplanes.
She was sure she would pursue the pilot profession by the time she was six years old.
The flying experience at a young age must have instilled the flying passion in her.
After the 46-year-old completed her high school education at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi, she enrolled in an aviation course at Nairobi Wilson Airport to earn her Private Pilot License.
Irene would later advance her studies in Oklahoma City and earn her Commercial Pilot’s license from the USA’s Federal Aviation Administration.
Overcoming Career Obstacles to Become a Celebrated Captain
Irene has overcome many obstacles and perceptions to become who she is today.
Back in the day, the aviation industry was dominated by men.
In a past CNN interview, Irene admitted that even her father wasn’t convinced that flying was the right career path for her.
It took her determination and courage to prove herself among many doubters, and now she is among the few women commercial pilots in the world.
She inspires many, especially the girl child, to dream big in what is perceived as a man dominated industry.
