Florence Kerr Wilson: The Woman Behind Wilson Airport and How She Lost It During World War II

Wilson Airport is today one of Kenya's busiest aviation hubs, serving domestic flights, safari operators, charter flights, medical flights and aviation training.

But behind the name Wilson Airport is the remarkable story of Florence Kerr Wilson, a woman who played a major role in the development of aviation in Kenya during its early years.

Florence founded Wilson Airways and invested heavily in aviation at a time when flying was still a new and developing industry in East Africa.

Her aviation business grew rapidly, but during the Second World War, the airfield, aircraft and pilots were taken over by the colonial government and incorporated into wartime aviation operations.

Years later, the airport was named Wilson Airport in recognition of the woman whose aviation enterprise had helped establish its foundations.

Florence Kerr Wilson's Early Life

Florence Kerr Wilson was born in 1879 in Blundellsands near Liverpool, England, into a wealthy shipping family.

She later married William Herbert Wilson, and the couple moved to Kenya, where they became involved in farming.

William Wilson died in 1928, leaving Florence a wealthy widow. Her financial position later enabled her to invest in an industry that was still in its infancy in East Africa.

The Journey That Introduced Her to Aviation

In 1929, Florence travelled to Britain on business. Instead of travelling by sea, she made the journey by aircraft.

One of the pilots involved was Tom Campbell Black, who would later become closely associated with Florence's aviation venture.

The experience reportedly sparked Florence's interest in aviation, and she decided to invest in the emerging industry.

She invested about £50,000 to establish Wilson Airways.

The Birth of Wilson Airways

Florence purchased a Gypsy Moth aircraft, which became one of the early aircraft used by the company.

Tom Campbell Black and flight engineer Archie Watkins were among those involved in the company's early operations.

Wilson Airways began carrying passengers and mail across British East Africa, connecting Nairobi with destinations such as Mombasa, Kisumu and Dar es Salaam.

Campbell Black became known for his flying achievements and was reported to have completed the Nairobi-Mombasa-Nairobi journey in a single day.

Florence did not remain only a business owner. She also learned to fly and obtained her pilot's licence around 1930.

She subsequently took part in survey flights, becoming part of the small group of women involved in aviation during the early years of flying in East Africa.

The First Airfield

Wilson Airways initially operated from the Ngong Landing Field in Dagoretti, in an area near what is today the Junction Mall.

The location was very different from the modern airport environment people know today. The area was also used for grazing cattle, and animals sometimes had to be moved before aircraft could land.

Florence established the first Wilson Airways office at the airfield, while Tom Campbell Black became the company's pilot and managing director.

As the business expanded, the company eventually moved its operations to Lang'ata.

Wilson Airways Expands

As demand for air travel increased, Wilson Airways continued to expand.

The company's fleet eventually grew to 17 aircraft, while its clientele included wealthy businesspeople, safari groups and members of the royal family.

The company also became involved in other areas of aviation.

Florence established an air ambulance rescue service and an aviation training school, helping expand the role of aviation beyond passenger and mail transportation.

With its growing fleet and expanding operations, Wilson Airways helped make Nairobi an important aviation centre in East Africa.

Tom Campbell Black and Beryl Markham

Tom Campbell Black became one of the best-known pilots associated with early aviation in Kenya.

His relationship with Florence Wilson eventually ended, and he later became associated with aviator Beryl Markham, a prominent figure in Nairobi's social and aviation circles.

Campbell Black eventually returned to England. In 1936, he married actress Florence Desmond.

However, his life came to a tragic end later that same year when he died in an aircraft accident.

How Florence Wilson Lost Her Aviation Empire

The fortunes of Wilson Airways changed dramatically with the outbreak of the Second World War.

The colonial government took control of the airfield, aircraft and pilots associated with the aviation operation.

The airfield was renamed Nairobi West Aerodrome and became part of the wartime aviation system.

Wilson Airways' resources were incorporated into military aviation operations, including the Royal Air Force and later the Kenya Auxiliary Air Unit.

As a result, Florence lost control of the aviation enterprise she had built.

Although the airfield continued to operate after the war, it was no longer under Florence Wilson's ownership or control.

How the Airport Became Wilson Airport

Florence Wilson's contribution to aviation in Kenya was eventually recognised by the country's government.

In 1962, the airport was named Wilson Airport in her honour.

Florence was present during the unveiling of the new name, giving her an opportunity to see the aviation facility associated with her pioneering work officially carry her name.

Florence Kerr Wilson's Final Years

Florence continued living in Kenya after losing control of her aviation enterprise.

She spent her later years at her home in Karen, Nairobi.

She died in 1968, six years after the airport was officially named Wilson Airport.

Florence Kerr Wilson's Legacy

Today, Wilson Airport remains an important part of Kenya's aviation industry.

The airport serves domestic destinations and supports safari flights, charter operations, flight training, medical flights and other aviation activities.

For many Kenyans and visitors, the name Wilson Airport is simply associated with Nairobi's aviation network.

However, the name also preserves the memory of Florence Kerr Wilson, a woman who invested her wealth in aviation when flying was still a relatively new industry in East Africa.

She helped establish Wilson Airways, learned to fly herself and built an aviation operation that became an important part of the region's early air transport history.

Although she eventually lost control of the airfield and her aviation business during the wartime period, her contribution was later recognised when the airport was named after her.

More than half a century after her death, Florence Kerr Wilson's name remains permanently connected to one of Kenya's best-known airports.