Alfred Mutua recounts journey from watching planes in Riruta to becoming a pilot

Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Dr Alfred Mutua has shared the story of how a childhood fascination with aircraft eventually led him to become a licensed pilot, describing his journey as an example of how determination and planning can turn a long-held dream into reality.

Mutua said his interest in flying began when he was a young boy growing up in Riruta Satellite, Nairobi, where he would sit outside the wooden shack that was home to his family and watch planes flying overhead.

At the age of nine, he said, he developed a dream of one day flying an aircraft himself, not merely travelling in one as a passenger.

The dream was strengthened several months later when his class at Toi Primary School visited Wilson Airport, where pupils were taken around aircraft and allowed to see their interiors.

“I was mesmerized by the engines and the cockpit,” Mutua recalled.

His fascination with aviation deepened after a visit to the Kenya National Library in Community, where he came across a picture book by author Dale Carnegie.

According to Mutua, the book explored the history of flight, from the Wright brothers to modern aircraft, and contained a passage explaining how humans had developed the ability to perform many things found in the animal world but could not fly without the assistance of machines.

“The book followed the history of the magic of flight, from the Wright brothers to current jets. I was hooked,” he said.

Dream followed him to US

Mutua said his ambition to become a pilot remained with him even after he moved to the United States on a scholarship.

While pursuing a career in communication, he secured a job at Spokane Airport in Washington, saying the opportunity allowed him to remain close to aircraft and pilots while continuing his studies.

However, adulthood brought other responsibilities and the dream was put on hold.

“Many years later, life happened: family, children, career, no time, not enough money,” he said.

In 2023, however, Mutua decided to revisit the childhood ambition.

He enrolled at Ninety Nine’s Flying School at Wilson Airport in Nairobi and embarked on an intensive training programme.

For months, he said, his routine involved studying late into the night, flying during weekends and spending almost every evening working towards his pilot qualification.

Six months after beginning his training, Mutua undertook his first solo flight in Malindi.

A month later, seven months after starting his classes, he was tested, passed and obtained his Private Pilot Licence.

“My dream as a young, poor boy had become a reality. I could now fly as a hobby,” he said.

More than 300 flying hours

Mutua said he has since continued building his flying experience with 99s Flying School and Kenya Aeronautical College.

He has trained and flown several aircraft in Kenya and South Africa and has accumulated more than 300 flying hours.

Today, he says, flying has become a regular part of his life, with trips to different destinations whenever his schedule allows, often on weekends.

“I have been recording my flying adventures and now want to share them with all, and especially you, so that every dreaming boy or girl is encouraged – to know that with God, determination and planning, everything is possible,” he said.

Mutua attributed his achievement to the support he received from his family and friends, particularly his children, whom he credited for encouraging him.

He said his experience demonstrates that dreams can remain achievable even after years of being put aside by work, family responsibilities and other demands.

“ I have succeeded in achieving my dream due to the support of my family and friends, and especially my children – MCM,” he said.

Plans to share flying adventures

Mutua said he has been documenting his experiences in the cockpit and plans to share them through a series of videos on his YouTube channel.

He said the project is intended not only to document his aviation journey but also to encourage young people to pursue their ambitions.

He invited his followers to share their own dreams and aspirations and encouraged them to inspire one another.

“To watch the first episode of my flying adventure, please visit my YouTube channel. I will be posting more episodes on Thursday and on Saturday. I invite you: Please come, let us fly together,” he said.

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