Tight deadlines: Kenya Airways opens applications for early-career positions

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Kenya Airways announced two early-career engineering programmes open to diploma and degree holders across multiple disciplines

- Both positions are contract roles based at Kenya Airways Headquarters in Nairobi, with applications closing on August 12, 2026

- Candidates must hold Kenyan work rights and submit a detailed CV through the airline's official recruitment portal

Kenya Airways has opened applications for two contract engineering positions targeting early-career professionals, with the airline seeking diploma holders and university graduates to join its technical division in Nairobi.

The two opportunities, the Engineering Apprentice Technician Programme and the Graduate Engineering Trainee Programme, are structured to develop practical skills in aircraft maintenance and engineering services. Applications for both close on 12 August 2026.

Engineering Apprentice Technician Programme

The apprentice programme targets holders of a diploma or higher national diploma in aeronautical or aircraft maintenance engineering. Applicants must have attained a KCSE aggregate of C+ with C+ grades in mathematics, English, and physics, along with at least two to three years of aircraft maintenance experience.

Selected apprentices will attend induction and mandatory courses, complete basic aircraft maintenance training, sit company examinations, and carry out assigned maintenance tasks while on attachment.

The programme is structured to prepare participants for Kenya Civil Aviation Authority licensing examinations. Required competencies include a working knowledge of aircraft maintenance manuals, familiarity with Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations, and the ability to operate in a multicultural environment.

Graduate Engineering Trainee Programme

The graduate programme is open to university graduates holding degrees in aeronautical, electrical and electronics, mechanical, mechatronics, or related engineering disciplines. Applicants must have achieved a KCSE aggregate of B+ with A- in mathematics, English, and physics and hold at least an upper second-class honours degree. At least one year of experience in a busy engineering environment is required, alongside relevant internship or academic project exposure.

Graduate trainees will shadow aircraft maintenance operations, support senior engineers on assignments, use Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul software, and complete a group project tied to the day-to-day functions of the engineering and maintenance division. Trainees will also gain familiarity with Kenya Airways' Flight Operations and Ground Operations departments.

How to Apply

Both programmes are based at Kenya Airways Headquarters in Nairobi, and the airline will only consider candidates with the legal right to live and work in Kenya. Interested applicants must submit a detailed curriculum vitae through the Kenya Airways recruitment portal.

"If you fit the profile, then apply today. Please submit a copy of your detailed curriculum vitae here only. The job is based in Kenya Airways Headquarters, Nairobi. Only qualified applicants with the right to live and work in Kenya Airways Headquarters, Nairobi, will be considered," Kenya Airways wrote.

Given the expected volume of applications, the airline has indicated that only shortlisted candidates will receive a response.

Kenya Airways described itself as an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process are encouraged to contact the airline directly.

The two programmes reflect the airline's broader effort to build a skilled technical workforce as demand for air travel continues to recover and the need for qualified aircraft maintenance engineers grows across Kenya's aviation sector.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.