A Day in the Life of an Aeronautical Engineer: Kwamboka Kemunto Mogusu

At Kenya Airways, passionate professionals work tirelessly to keep our fleet safe, reliable, and ready to connect the world. In our Day in the Life series, we spotlight the people behind the scenes who make it all possible. Today, we meet Kwamboka Kemunto Mogusu, a Senior Engineer in our Technical Department, who shares what it’s like to oversee aircraftmaintenance and ensure our planes meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

1. Briefly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role.

My name is Kwamboka Kemunto Mogusu, and I am a Senior Engineer in the MRO(Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) Operations section of the Technical Department. In my role, I plan and oversee maintenance activities to ensure they meet safety, quality, andregulatory standards. I lead a team of engineers and technicians, guiding them through maintenance procedures to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Additionally, I ensure that all maintenance work aligns with the company's objectives and industry bestpractices, contributing to the overall reliability and performance of the aircraft.

2. What does a typical workday look like for you, from start to finish?

My typical workday starts at 7:00 AM, when I arrive at the facility. I begin by briefing the team on the progress of ongoing maintenance, reviewing the day’s tasks, and addressing any immediate concerns from the team. Since we are currently involved in a redelivery project, I coordinate closely with various internal sections such as material planning, maintenance planning, logistics, and procurement to keep everything on track for the scheduled redelivery.Throughout the day, I perform regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and address any issues or delays that arise. I typically hold meetings with the project manager and senior stakeholders to provide updates and discuss any potential delays. By the end of the day, I prepare a progress check report for the aircraft. I conclude my day by reviewing the plan for the next day and confirming that all necessary resources are in place for a smooth workflow.

3. What parts of your job do you enjoy the most?

I particularly enjoy the problem-solving aspect of my role. There's always a new challenge to tackle, whether it's unexpected maintenance issues or finding ways to enhance team efficiency.I also find it rewarding to see the team collaborate toward a common goal, especially when we successfully meet the targeted milestones. Seeing a project through from start to finish is incredibly satisfying, especially knowing the aircraft is safe, compliant, and airworthy.

4. What’s one misconception people have about your job?

Many people mistakenly believe my job solely involves fixing aircraft defects or componentremoval and installation. While technical skills are important, a significant part of my role includes coordination and project management. I manage timelines, budgets, and resources while maintaining constant communication with various technical sections and internalcustomers. Ultimately, my work focuses more on leadership, logistics, and problem-solving thanjust purely hands-on repairs.

5. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone interested in this field?

I recommend focusing on building a strong foundation of technical knowledge while also enhancing your leadership and communication skills. In this industry, the ability to manage a team, handle stress, and maintain organization is as important as technical expertise. Don’t hesitate to take on responsibilities early in your career; hands-on experience is invaluable.Additionally, always stay up to date with industry standards and regulations, as they change frequently.

6. After work, how do you like to relax or recharge?

After a long day at the MRO, I like to unwind by spending time with family. I also enjoy reading mostly African stories, It’s a great way to disconnect from the maintenance side of things, as it helps me reset before the next busy day. My current read ‘Dream count’ by Chimamanda Ngozi.