Director of Flight Operations at AMREF Flying Doctors

Major Kefa Kihara (RTD) assumed the role of Director of Flight Operations at AMREF Flying Doctors on May 1, 2023. Kefa is a highly accomplished aviator with an unwavering commitment to giving back to society, backed by an impressive career spanning thirty-three years in the aviation sector.

His journey commenced in the Kenya Air Force, where he served as a jet pilot, later transitioning into the role of a Flight Instructor at the Flight Training School and subsequently as a Flight Commander overseeing Training and Operations. Following his distinguished service in the Kenya Air Force, Kefa took on the role of Flight Instructor at CMC Flying School. He then ventured into the tourism sector, becoming the Company Pilot and Manager for the Lake Victoria Steamship Company Ltd, an organization specializing in flying tourists across East Africa.

In August 2006, Kefa joined AMREF Flying Doctors Service (FDS) as a Senior Pilot. His exceptional leadership and performance led to his appointment as the first Kenyan Chief Pilot for AMREF Flying Doctors in May 2009. In this role, he assumed responsibility for all aviation operations and played a pivotal role in the acquisition of a King Air B200 for AFD in 2012.

In November 2014, Kefa became the Chief Pilot at Janus Continental Group, where he led the establishment of the Aviation Department. Under his stewardship, the department successfully managed a substantial operating budget of US$30 million and oversaw the acquisition of the Challenger 350 in 2018. During this period, Kefa also achieved the distinction of becoming the first Kenyan Pilot to earn a PC-12 type rating.

Returning to AMREF Flying Doctors in January 2020 as a Jet Captain, Kefa contributed significantly to the training and development of jet pilots.

He holds a Kenyan Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and boasts an impressive flight time of over 12,000 hours. Kefa is not only recognized as an approved KCAA Instrument Rating Examiner but also serves as a Designated Check Pilot (DCP). His commitment to continuous growth is evident in his pursuit of an Executive Masters in Aviation Business Administration.

With his wealth of experience and exceptional leadership, Kefa has made, and continues to make, a profound impact on the aviation industry.