Kenyan Pilots Protest Kenya Airways’ Move to Hire Foreign Pilots

Kenyan pilots have protested the move by national airline, Kenya Airways to hire 20 foreign pilots.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, officials from the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) criticized the decision, saying there are Kenyans who are well qualified for the jobs.

“We have numerous suitable Kenyan captains on the Embraer fleet ready for promotion to the senior Boeing 737 fleet,” KALPA Secretary-General Captain Murithi Nyaga said.

Murithi further accused the national carrier of breaching the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

While he admitted that there are circumstances where it may be necessary to hire expatriates, the official claimed Kenyan Embraer plane pilots have in this case been denied their chance of being promoted.

“It is agreed in principle that whenever a vacancy occurs, the most suitable Kenyan in terms of qualifications and experience would be appointed,” Murithi quoted a section of the CBA.

The association also argued that the move to hire expats is against the spirit of ‘Kenyanization’ adding that there are hundreds of local pilots who remain unemployed and can be tapped to contribute to the growth of the airline.

KQ CEO Sebastian Mikosz defended the move saying it is just a temporary measure aimed at addressing the shortage of pilots.