National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) pilots Captain Irene Koki Mutungi and Captain Cathleen Kang’ethe, on July 2, 2025, made history when they commanded the inaugural KQ flight from Nairobi to the London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom.
This came after the national carrier officially launched direct flights to London Gatwick, expanding its service in the UK to 10 weekly flights.
According to KQ, this new route strengthens connectivity, boosts trade and tourism, and offers greater choice for our customers.
Following the launch, Captain Koki was tasked to command the inaugural flight.
“Congratulations to Captain Koki on her inaugural Gatwick flight — as First Captain and Kenya’s first female Dreamliner captain!” said Kenya Airways.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, on her part, said, “Kudos, Captain Irene Koki and the entire crew.”
One of the remarkable achievements for which Captain Koki is mostly celebrated is being the first African female certified as a Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” captain from Kenya.
The Dreamliner is an American wide-body airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
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Captain Irene Koki Mutungi’s profile
Born in 1976 to Kenyan parents, Captain Koki’s early exposure to aviation ignited her passion for flying as her father served as a Kenya Airways pilot.
She attended Moi Girls School in Nairobi before embarking on her aviation journey when she enrolled in flight school at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport at the age of 17, earning her Private Pilot’s License.
Irene furthered her pilot education at the Crabtree Aviation in the United States, obtaining a Commercial Pilot’s License from the Federal Aviation Administration.
In 1995, Captain Koki returned to Kenya, joining Kenya Airways as their first female pilot.
Enduring the challenges of being the sole female pilot for the next six years, she made history in 2004 by becoming the first African woman to qualify to captain a commercial aircraft, specifically the Boeing 737.
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The pilot’s pursuit of excellence continued as she qualified to command the Boeing 767, eventually leading to her becoming the first African female Boeing 787 Captain, a historic achievement announced by Kenya Airways on April 15, 2014.
The first-ever flight piloted by a father and daughter remains one of her proudest moments.
Recognitions
Irene Koki’s journey has been marked by overcoming stereotypes and societal expectations. Facing skepticism from passengers early in her career, she defied misconceptions about women in aviation.
Beyond her achievements, she is dedicated to mentorship, particularly encouraging aspiring female pilots.
Her impact reaches far beyond the cockpit, contributing to the empowerment of women in a male-dominated industry as a mentor.
Captain Koki’s commitment to breaking down gender barriers in the aviation sector has further earned her accolades and recognition.
Forbes Magazine in December 2014 notably named her among “The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa 2014.”
Avance Media also honored the pilot as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023.
Irene holds a master’s degree in Aviation Safety Management from City St George’s, University of London.
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