In 1993, the first female pilot in Kenya made history.
The dedicated woman made history 21 years later as the first black lady to be certified as a Captain of a Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" aircraft. During a time when women in Kenya and other parts of Africa were discouraged from pursuing careers in science and engineering, Irene Koki Mutungi entered a field that men predominately occupied.
Today, Irene K. Mutungi is known for paving the path for numerous female pilots in Kenya and Africa. Recent decisions by many African airlines to fly with an all-female crew have encouraged many young girls to pursue careers in aviation.
Irene got inspiration from her father to take the profession at the early age of 5. Her father, Captain Mutungi, was a commercial pilot with Kenya Airways until he retired. She attended to become an aviation consultant. Irene attended Moi Girls School in Kenya and, after graduation, moved on to the Wilson Aiport Flight School to obtain her Private Pilot License.
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Aspiring to be the best, Irene had the support of her family and moved to the USA to gain her Commercial Pilot License from the Federal Aviation Authority. She returned in 1995 to work as the first female pilot for Kenya Airways.
In a report by SDE, Irene had this to say about her achievements, "this is an inspiration to women, especially African women to show them that anything is possible."
After being certified as Captain, she was one of "The 20 Youngest Power" listed. Women In Africa 2014" by Forbes magazine.
Aside from having a passion for what she does, Irene loves to dress up and look good and has a soft spot for dogs. She has a son and lives in Nairobi.
Africa and African women have so much to offer the world, and the dominance of the world stage has only just begun.
