- Mang’u High School demolished part of its multi-million shilling gate to accommodate a Boeing 737-700 aircraft donated by Kenya Airways as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations
- The aircraft was transported along Thika Road, where jubilant students and teachers gathered to welcome it, causing a brief traffic halt
- Kenya Airways stated the donation aims to inspire future aviation engineers and innovators, marking a new chapter for the retired aircraft as a learning resource
Mang’u High School has resorted to demolishing a section of its multi-million shilling school gate to allow the entry of a Boeing aircraft donated by Kenya Airways over the weekend.
In a video shared on TikTok on Sunday, January 13, 2024, workers were seen making final attempts to bring down part of the luxurious-looking gate to create more space for the aircraft.
A bulldozer could be seen clearing away the demolished rubble, while other workers measured to determine if additional space was needed.
On the other side of the wall, a banner had already been erected with inscriptions expressing the school’s gratitude for the donation from Kenya Airways, Kenya’s largest airline.
The banner noted that the school had marked its 100th anniversary in style and stated that its excellence would soar to new heights with the Kenya Airways sponsorship.
The school also took the opportunity to applaud the carrier, with a section of the banner praising Kenya Airways as truly the “Pride of Africa.”
“Mang’u High School @100. Boeing 737-700: Welcome to Mang’u High School. A century of excellence takes flight with Kenya Airways. Thank you, KQ—the Pride of Africa.”
Thika Road Comes to a Halt
In a separate video posted on the same day by TikTok user @jose, the aircraft was seen cruising along Thika Road and arriving at the school gate, where hundreds of learners stood waiting.
Jubilations erupted as the learners, alongside their teachers, sang and scattered along the highway while the aircraft prepared to make a turn and enter the school.
Read Also:
1: Grisly Accident on Thika Superhighway Kills Kiambu MCA Ezra Kabuga
2: Kisumu Boy Who Completed KCSE Three Days Ago Dies Tragically After Hippo Mauls Him
The Kenya National Highways Authority had issued a notice days prior, warning motorists to give way to the consignment and specifying the transport routes.
Photos and videos of the event went viral on social media over the weekend, with netizens sharing updates on the aircraft’s progress.
Inspiring Aviation Students
In a statement released on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Kenya Airways’ Head of Strategy, Ms. Hellen Mathuka, noted that the aircraft had served in the skies for a significant period but was now set to embark on a new mission.
She explained that the donation was intended to inspire ambition among aviation engineering and innovation students, equipping them for future careers in the field.
“The aircraft, once soaring the skies, now begins a new chapter as a learning resource to inspire and equip future aviators, engineers, and innovators,” she said.
