Kenya-China aerospace training deal positions Nairobi as Africa’s aviation talent gateway

Kenya has taken a major step toward becoming a regional hub for advanced aviation training following the launch of a new academic partnership linking African students to one of China’s top aerospace universities.

Harmonics Air Centre, working with Kenya Aeronautical College (KAC), has formalised a strategic training and research collaboration with the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA).

NUAA is globally recognised for excellence in aircraft engineering, avionics, space science and advanced aviation technologies.

The partnership comes as Africa’s aviation sector rebounds strongly after the pandemic, with passenger numbers and airline fleets expanding across the continent.

However, the growth has exposed a widening skills gap, with industry projections indicating Africa will require tens of thousands of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and aerospace researchers by the 2040s.

Kenya’s strong aviation footprint—anchored by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)—positions the country to play a central role in meeting this demand.

Until now, limited access to world-class aerospace universities and research facilities has constrained many African aviation students.

Engineer Ekhalie Javan Muliro, Director of Harmonics Air Centre, said the partnership is designed to open global training pathways for African learners.

“Africa has the talent and ambition, but access to internationally recognised aviation universities remains a challenge. This collaboration allows students to train within one of Asia’s most advanced aerospace ecosystems,” he said.

NUAA Dean Prof. Liu Changjiang described Africa as a “dynamic and promising aviation market,” saying the university is committed to supporting long-term human capital development on the continent.

Under the arrangement, students can pursue either competitive Chinese government and NUAA scholarships or self-funded study options, with full access to NUAA’s laboratories, simulators, research facilities and global alumni network.

KAC will act as NUAA’s official liaison in Kenya, supporting recruitment, academic preparation and student welfare.

KAC Director Engineer Samson Aketch said the deal strengthens Kenya’s position as a regional aviation training destination.

Beyond training, the partnership will also promote joint research, academic exchanges and long-term skills transfer, as Kenya positions itself as Africa’s emerging gateway for aviation and aerospace talent development.