Science, Medicine & Engineering
Landmark
Irene Koki Mutungi
born 1976
The first African woman to captain a commercial airliner, and the first to command a Dreamliner
Landmark is level 2 of 4 in the Kenya Hall of Fame: a first that opened a door, or the pre-eminent figure of their generation in this country. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
Kenya Airways' first woman pilot in 1995. In 2004 she became the first African woman to captain a commercial aircraft, and in 2014 the first on the continent certified to command a Boeing 787.
Irene Koki Mutungi was hired by Kenya Airways in 1995 as the airline's first woman pilot.
In 2004 she became the first African woman to captain a commercial aircraft, commanding a Boeing 737. On 15 April 2014 she became the first woman on the continent certified as captain of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Her father was also a pilot, and she has spent much of her career encouraging Kenyan girls into aviation.
In 2004 she became the first African woman to captain a commercial aircraft, commanding a Boeing 737. On 15 April 2014 she became the first woman on the continent certified as captain of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Her father was also a pilot, and she has spent much of her career encouraging Kenyan girls into aviation.
- Wikipedia — Irene Koki Mutungi
- Flight Safety Foundation — Q&A with Capt. Irene Koki Mutungi, Kenya Airways
- Leading Ladies Africa — Meet Capt Irene Koki Mutungi, Kenya Airways' first female pilot and captain
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