Kenya believe it? Gideon Kipkemoi’s amazing international aviation journey

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—“Only the disciplined ones in life are free.” 

Starting from kindergarten, Gideon Kipkemoi, a second-year student studying aviation flight science and management and operations, manifested where his path would take him. 

Hailing from a rural area of Kenya, Kipkemoi has accomplished feats many twice his age have not, making a journey of approximately 8,124 miles to pursue his dream.

“My fascination began in kindergarten,” Kipkemoi says. “My school was on a flight path, and every time a plane flew overhead, our teacher would pause class, and we’d run outside shouting, 'ndege! ndege!' (airplane in Swahili).”

With each passing plane Kipkemoi, would even say, “Ni ya baba yangu!” which means, “That’s my father’s plane,” believing that it was true.

Kipkemoi’s interest continued years later, when a neighbor’s son returned home from flight training in a Cessna Caravan. Overwhelmed with courage, he hid in the back of the neighbor’s family pickup truck en route to the local Kenyan airstrip.

Instead of being met with disapproval from his parents after being missing, they let him follow his dream. He was able to take a 30-minute flight with his neighbor, sealing his love for flying.

Kipkemoi graduated from Moi High School Kabarak, in Nakuru, Kenya, in 2021. Following high school, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree for marine engineering at Bandari Maritime Academy.

After six months at sea on a Kenyan tanker vessel, it did not seem to be the right fit for him. He always knew in the back of his mind that flying was his one true love.

After numerous experiences in high school, from attending aviation summer camps to holding several leadership positions in the Young Aviators Club of Africa, Kipkemoi decided that he wanted to make the jump to flight training in the United States.

Western caught Kipkemoi’s eye due to having a “well-rounded university experience” and the tuition being affordable compared to other flight programs.

“I was fascinated by the idea of flying during the winter,” Kipkemoi says. “I also found WMU’s community to be incredibly welcoming, especially during the application process.”

Kipkemoi has hit the ground running during his time so far at Western, being actively involved with six different registered student organizations on campus—only three relating to aviation.

Notably, Kipkemoi coupled his passion for aviation with his commitment to helping students by becoming an aviation ambassador for the College of Aviation. 

“I work with current and prospective students, guiding them through their aviation journey,” Kipkemoi says. “It’s rewarding to share my experiences and represent a program I’m proud of.”

Kipkemoi’s favorite part of Western so far is the people he has connected with such as the flight instructors, faculty, alumni and fellow students. He especially enjoys the raucous crowd at Lawson Arena and cheering on the Bronco hockey team.

These experiences have helped Kipkemoi connect with his future goals. He quotes the late Steve Jobs, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”

“Looking back, I can see how the lessons, skills and opportunities from WMU have built the foundation for my aviation career,” Kipkemoi says. 

Networking events like Aviation Outlook Day and Business Aviation Day allowed him to meet industry professionals, present his résumé and envision his career path.

Outside of aviation, Kipkemoi enjoys staying active as a member of the track and field club team along with other hobbies involving trying new things.

“I enjoy track and field, particularly training for the 1500m and long-distance races,” Kipkemoi says. “I love outdoor activities, exploring new cuisines and I’m currently trying out culinary classes.”

These extracurricular activities help Kipkemoi stay on the right path and have taught him valuable leadership and life lessons. 

“To me, discipline is not a punishment; it’s power,” Kipkemoi says. “It’s the strength to stay focused when distractions arise, to show up when motivation fades and to keep pushing forward when things get difficult.”

Kipkemoi plans to become a Certified Flight Instructor at Western after graduation, then transition to a Part 135 charter company (an air-taxi or private charter service). 

This internal motivation is leading him to take interest in corporate and business aviation and flying for a corporate flight department that serves executives and high-profile passengers. 

“I want to provide the efficiency, safety and comfort that make time a true luxury for (business) decision-makers,” Kipkemoi says.

Through valuable experience, like starting a non-profit organization for underprivileged youth in Kenya and taking on leadership roles in his organizations, Kipkemoi is on the path to success.

“The more I grow in aviation and athletics, the more I realize that discipline gives us control over our choices,” Kipkemoi says. “That is really what freedom means.”

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