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How we fought stereotypes to conquer the skies

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From left (seated): Pilot Peniel Nkirote, Pilot Sharon Mbeke and Pilot Winnie Wambui. Standing (from left): Pilot Cynthia Owuor, Vanessa Mbetsa and Pilot Marine Ramadhan at Wilson Airport, Nairobi. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Vanessa Ambetsa has not forgotten the date: November 28, 2023. She was seated in the flight deck of a Cessna Caravan 208 at Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Her eyes revolved around the flashing dials, the buzzing propeller in front of the plane and general traffic around the airport.

Behind her, about a dozen passengers were settling in and adjusting their seat belts, ready for take-off for a few days' adventure in the wildlife-rich Masai Mara.

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