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Who is Women in Aviation International?
Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a global non-profit dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation and aerospace career fields and interests. It has grown into a worldwide membership of pilots, engineers, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, cabin crew, business leaders, educators, students and enthusiasts — women and men alike.
WAI Kenya Chapter is part of that global network. Joining here makes you a member of WAI worldwide.
What WAI does globally
Runs the Annual International Women in Aviation Conference, awards scholarships every year, publishes Aviation for Women, and connects members through Mentor Connect, Jobs Connect and WAI Together.
Its purpose
The encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation and aerospace career fields and interests — opening doors that were historically closed, and keeping them open.
How it supports women and girls
Scholarships and training funding, mentorship, professional development, and Girls in Aviation Day each September, which reaches tens of thousands of girls worldwide.
How it supports its chapters
Chapters like Kenya get the global brand, scholarship pipeline, programme materials and network — then run outreach, mentorship and events for their own country.
Women in Aviation – Kenya Chapter
A Global Community,
Rooted in Kenya
Women in Aviation International (WAI) Kenya Chapter is a non-profit organization co-founded in 2011 by Ms. Fiona Omondi and Ms. Una Gertrude. The idea originated in an aviation classroom at the East Africa School of Aviation (EASA), motivated by the impact of WAI globally and a desire to create a local community that could provide more opportunities for Kenyan women in aerospace.
Despite limited resources at inception, the Chapter rallied industry support and hosted its first membership drive in April 2012. This milestone was followed by Hon. John Omondi agreeing to serve as Patron, consistently supporting the career development of young women in aeronautical engineering.
The involvement of Captain Mary Mukulu Kai (then a Kenya Airways pilot) as Guest of Honor during the inaugural drive established the groundwork for ongoing mentorship and industry collaboration. Captain Kai continues to serve the Chapter as a Board Member, alongside President Penina Nginyo.
Our Diverse Membership Includes
Kenya Chapter
Founded in 2012 by Una Gertrude Odhiambo and Fiona Omondi, the WAI Kenya Chapter bridges the gender gap in Kenya’s aviation industry — mentoring students, awarding scholarships, and running outreach events across the country.
500+
Members
15+
Scholarships
10+
Annual Events
Our purpose
Why the Chapter exists
Our Vision
A Kenyan aviation and aerospace industry in which women and girls are represented at every level and in every career field — on the flight deck, in the hangar, in the tower, in operations and in the boardroom — and in which no girl rules out a career in aviation because she has never seen a woman doing it.
Our Mission
To bridge the gender gap in Kenyan aviation by creating awareness of aviation careers, mentoring women and girls into and through them, connecting members to scholarships, training and professional networks, and supporting girls — including through menstrual dignity initiatives — so they stay in school long enough to reach them.
Awareness
Showing students what aviation careers actually exist, and what each one takes.
Mentorship
Pairing young women with people already doing the job they want.
Opportunity
Connecting members to scholarships, training and industry networks.
Community
A Kenyan network that keeps members going through a demanding industry.
Journey & Impact
Our Growth Story
2011
The Beginning
Co-founded by Fiona Omondi and Una Gertrude after discovering WAI in an aviation classroom.
2012
First Membership Drive
Partnered with EASA to host the official launch event with industry support.
2014
Wilson Airport Airshow
Greatly increased Chapter visibility with a dedicated exhibition booth.
2015
First GIAD Kenya
Hosted at Kenya Airways Pride Centre flight simulator, reaching girls across Nairobi.
2023
Africa Ambassador
Fiona Omondi appointed WAI International Ambassador for Africa.
2024
Girls Air Show
Partnered with GIAA to host the first Girls Air Show in August 2024.
Success Stories
Scholarship & Award Recipients
Our members have successfully competed for numerous WAI global scholarships, developing technical training, leadership skills, and professional excellence.
Loise Mwangi
Airbus Leadership & Boeing Grants
Maureen Okoth
Bonita Jean Olson Memorial
Primerose Gitau
Pratt & Whitney Training
Betty Mbatha
Hilton Commercial Helicopter
Ellah A. Wafula
ISA+21 Financial
Fiona Omondi
Dorothy Hilbert Chapter Volunteer of the Year
Primerose Gitau
Boeing Skills
Ellah Wafula
Boeing / Southwest Scholarships
Betty Mbatha
CAE Citation Bravo
Aretha Kimani
Dare to Dream & ISA+21
Tonny Ndilinge
Keep Flying International
Emily Manduku
Harvard Women Leadership Program
Fiona Omondi
Harvard Women Leadership Program
Maseka Kithinji
Hilton Instrument Rating
Ernest Mwanzia Mutinda
Keep Flying Extra Lift
Loise Mwangi
Harvard Women Leadership Program
Winnie Nafula
Harvard Women Leadership Program
Unah Odhiambo
Harvard Women Leadership Program
Ashley Obondo
Assets Noviams
Maseka Kithinji
Boeing Flight Training Scholarship
Margert Ngugi
Diane Ballweg Scholarship
Harvard Leadership Program
Recipient list includes Emily Manduku (2023), Fiona Omondi (2023), Loise Mwangi (2024), Winnie Nafula (2025), and Unah Odhiambo (2025). This program tracks selected members worldwide to improve leadership skills and professional influence.
Advocacy & Outreach
Beyond Scholarships
In 2023, the Chapter hosted a session at the Aero Club focused on emotional intelligence. By 2024, AirKenya Express Ltd sponsored our International Women’s Day event, featuring industry leaders like Eng. Liz Aluvanze, CEO of KAAO.
Looking to the future, we plan to expand **Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD)** beyond Nairobi to counties with airport facilities, increasing access and introducing more girls to the full range of aerospace careers.
We also partner locally and internationally, such as our 2024 Girls Air Show collaboration with Girls in Aviation Africa (GIAA), led by Ms. Maseka Githinji.
Empowering the Future
“Through mentorship, partnerships, and skills development, we continue to strengthen our core mission: enhancing the representation and leadership of women in aviation in Kenya.”
Honouring Greatness
WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame
We recognise the extraordinary women who paved the way — whose courage, skill and determination opened the skies for generations to follow.
Our Flagship Initiative
Girls in Aviation Day
Our most exciting outreach programme connects girls aged 8 to 17 with female aviation professionals — through airport tours, cockpit visits, panel discussions and hands-on STEM activities. One afternoon can spark a lifetime of ambition.
8–17
Age Range
Girls we reach
2012
Year Founded
Kenya Chapter
40+
Industry Partners
Supporting WAI
Global
Reach
National & International
Join the Movement
Be Part of Our Story
Whether you are a seasoned aviator, a student, or someone who simply loves aviation — there is a place for you in the WAI Kenya Chapter.