Osborne Wainaina from Kiharu, Murang'a County is making his dreams come true by making model airplanes and drones used for illustration in aviation schools and the air travel industry at large.
Wainaina during an interview narrated his passion for making airplanes, drones, and other vessels used for air travel. He revealed that he was fascinated by planes while growing up.
To pursue his dreams, he joined an aviation school to train as a plane mechanic, only to discover that the instructors did not have model planes to teach the students.
This inspired him to make sample planes for piloting schools to help students understand concepts faster.
Wainaina began making the planes well, which were appreciated by aviation schools enough for them to make purchases, encouraging him to continue with his craft. He later received encouraging reviews from fellow students who revealed how much the model planes improved their learning.
He has so far made six drones. Some of them are used to take photos and make deliveries, while others boast of different functionalities.
"I am thinking about how to install a parachute system in this one so that the camera does not get damaged when the drone fails," Wainaina explained.
The student revealed that after his studies, he will fully venture into making more efficient and reliable drones and model planes for commercial purposes.
He also wants to make a military drone that will take about two weeks if the materials are available. The testing to make it efficient will take about two months.
Due to his outstanding progress, Wainaina was proud that such high-tech drones could come from Murang'a.
"The first step is for you to do what you can with what is available. This was a room that I turned into a workshop. Most dreams are never actualised when you wait for help," he stated.
He further stated that he was motivated by the words of his late mother who told him, "God will complete the work he started in you."
Wainaina noted that actualising his dreams is one way to honour his mother.
In his line of work, one of the challenges Wainaina faces is the lack of the right materials in the country. Also, the available parts are expensive with some costing over Ksh50,000.
Meanwhile, he embraced the laws governing a drone in Kenya, adding that some individuals may use the vessels to harm others.
Notably, anyone seeking to fly a drone in Kenya must get approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority at a fee. Those who operate drones without authorisation risk a fine or jail time.
