Flying in Kenya
 

I'm looking into doing some flying in Africa, specifically Kenya. My wife is from there so I can get a Kenya passport and citizenship. With everything flipped upside down due to Covid, I don't really plan on applying for any new jobs until Spring 2021, I'm fortunate enough to be employed by an ACMI here in the USA. I'm hoping things will open up more to foreigners by then. How difficult is it to transfer and FAA ATP over to Kenyan ATPL? A little about my background, I have FAA licenses almost 6,000 hours TT, 3 type ratings (all airliners), 800 hours widebody, 2500 121 jet, and small turboprop time also. I've been doing international flying worldwide for about five years now, including over a year flying all over Africa. I also have extensive experience living abroad. I know this time last year I would have a really competitive resume, now probably not as much.

Just wondering what I'm getting into? I was specifically looking at Astral Aviation (see them on the ramp a lot at NBO) and Kenya Airways. I don't have a 777 type, but I do have a DC-9 type rating from a few years ago. I would also considering getting a job here flying 737s or 747s if I can for a year or so before jumping over there. Are there any Americans at either of these companies? Although COVID has crushed passenger demand for the near term, I know Africa is projected to have some amazing aviation growth over the next 20+ years. My wife loves the idea of me being based in Nairobi. I know it's a lot to answer, thanks in advance.

I did it backwards from you. I flew in Africa for a decade and now I’m back stateside flying ACMI. I would try to get on with atlas and live in kenya, but work for a US carrier. Like I said, I’ve done both and highly recommend the route I’m suggesting. You’ll make more money and will get treated better. If you can take a year LOA and try it out, do that if I can’t convince you otherwise Bwana.

Fair point, which country in Africa were you in? How difficult was it to transfer your licenses in said country? I heard Western Global pulled out of Africa for now, are any US Carriers down there right now? Thanks.

How can you get the passport ? You cannot get it !
things not moving there at all

HVYMETAL

i worked for a national airline in central Africa. Excellent experience. I had FAA. Most jobs in Africa Are either operating N registered aircraft, or local registered and they give you a conversion written test or a local license based on your FAA or EASA. Western Global is hiring. You can(could) jump on their planes in Nairobi or Entebbe. Same with atlas.

All these jobs have dried up. Even the Kenyans are suffering terribly. Contracts are being slashed, UN ops are on the back burner and companies are going into insolvency. It's a sad state of affairs. I'm glad I had my time and fun in the bush, definitely the best experience of my life.

Getting your facts straight
 

A few things to clarify. Being married to a Kenyan thinking that gets you citizenship/passport? Whoever told you that is lying straight into your face. Best you may get is permanent residency. One has to live in Kenya permanently for 7 years before you can even apply. Citizenship? Dream on. I have colleagues here living / working for over 30 years in Kenya and struggled to get their permanent residency, others still have to renew their work permit every 48 month.
Pilot jobs at KQ? Do you actually follow the news? KQ is in so much trouble right now. Senior pilots with thousands of hours on widebody (you have how many, 800)furloughed sitting at home with 50% salary. Their top management is trying their level best (against Labor Court rulings) to reduce the workforce, both flying and ground personal. Massive overhead. And you think you get a seat in any cockpit there no problem coming in as an expat?

Sometimes I wonder....

Otto is correct about the Kenyan passport citizenship. I have a friend, who has lived in kenya for over 40 years, married to a Kenyan. Two in fact. He has never been able to get more than a permanent residency. All white Kenyans were forced to either surrender their British or other than Kenyan passports at independence as well. Kenya is not friendly to non Africans seeking to make it home. Same goes for Indians. Many Somalis and Rwandans were born in kenya. They also not eligible for Kenyan passport. Even Kenyans born abroad to Kenyan parents who reside outside of Africa have issues.