Meet Kenya Police First Fully-Rated Female Pilot

Photo collage between a National Police Chopper and chief pilot Eunice Dobby
Photo collage between a National Police Chopper and chief pilot Eunice Dobby
courtesy

Women in the country have continued to make a mark in different sectors with the latest one joining the list of accomplished and admired women after becoming the first fully-rated female pilot in the National Police Service (NPS).

Eunice Dobby, a Commissioner of Police, broke the glass ceiling entering into the country's history books becoming a fully-rated flight instructor and a pioneer female police pilot.

Despite the country having other female pilots, she made a mark by becoming a fully-rated female pilot in the police service with her credentials being recognised internationally.

Dobby is currently the chief pilot at the National Police Airwing that is under the National Air Support Department (NASD).

Chief Pilot Eunice Dobby meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta at national police service function
Chief Pilot Eunice Dobby meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta at national police service function
NPS

She joined the police service as a recruit immediately after her O-levels education at Kisumu Girls High School, opting to defer joining university despite an impressive performance.

During the recruitment period that is usually characterised by intense training, Dobby's leadership skills were recognised by the instructors and she was appointed the Squad Leader of the female recruits.

Joining the service, Dobby extended her commitment that later earned her a promotion to the rank of a Chief Inspector Superintendent. 

In 2016, she received yet another promotion becoming the Commissioner of Police. This led to her being selected to join the police airwing.

Dobby started her training in flying police choppers at the CMC Flying School and received a Private Pilot's License (PPL). 

With the desire to learn more and expand her skills, Dobby got an opportunity to join Oxford Aviation School in Texas, United States. At the institution, she was successfully trained for a commercial Instrument, Multi-engine Pilot's License, and Ratings that is certified by US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"The elite pilot is versatile, with a wealth of experience in flying, and has performed exceptionally well in service delivery. She has been involved in the provision of air support especially in operations, search and rescue missions, flying VIP’s, casualty evacuation, training, and mentoring young pilots," the national police described her on their social media page on Friday, January 7.

In 2018, she was conferred the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) on Jamhuri Day in 2018 by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"On many occasions, the pioneer female pilot has served in several police committees to plan and execute activities particularly in sports, Nairobi International Trade Fair, and First Aid competitions. Madam Dobby is also a member of the Multi-Agency Oversight Team on Forest and a Board Member of Utumishi Girls Academy. As a way of giving back to society, she is actively involved in mentorship programs for students both in Primary and Secondary Schools," National police further described her.



The top-notch pilot holds three degrees; a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management both from the University of Nairobi. 

She also attended the prestigious National Defence University - Kenya (NDU-K, for the National Security and Strategy Course and her contribution to the police service is immense.

Eunice Dobby with colleagues after graduating at Wilson airport
Eunice Dobby with colleagues after graduating at Wilson airport
NPS