Zainab Alibhai
Born and raised in Kenya, Zainab Alibhai became the first Kenyan woman to earn a skydiving license in 2014. After completing her very first tandem skydive, she instantly fell in love with the sport and quickly enrolled in skydiving school to pursue the discipline professionally.
Following the completion of her skydiving license, Zainab spent the next several years travelling the world to gain as much experience and knowledge in the sport as possible. She worked across multiple seasons at dropzones in South Africa, Germany, and the United States, where she learned the operational, instructional, and safety standards required to run professional skydiving centres.
After reaching her first 500 jumps, Zainab undertook the intensive challenge of earning both her Tandem Instructor and AFF Instructor ratings in 2019. This achievement made her the first Kenyan to be internationally recognised as a multi-rated skydiving instructor.
Elite Rigging Academy
Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Zainab later travelled to the United States to attend the prestigious Elite Rigging Academy, where she studied directly under Derek Thomas, Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner and President of the academy. There, she earned her FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certification, becoming the first Kenyan to achieve an internationally recognised parachute rigging certification.
One of Zainab’s proudest moments came in 2021, when she was featured on the front page of Kenya’s leading newspaper, the Daily Nation. The feature highlighted her journey, accomplishments, and impact as a female Kenyan skydiver, bringing national recognition to both her achievements and the sport itself.
Zainab has also been featured internationally and locally across multiple media platforms, including SkydiveMag, 90 Percent, local television channels, newspapers, radio interviews, and online publications, where she continues to inspire others through her achievements and contribution to the growth of skydiving in Kenya and East Africa.
Zainab’s passion for skydiving and commitment to continuous learning continue to grow. Most recently, she achieved the incredible milestone of completing her 5,000th skydive, a testament to her dedication, experience, and years of commitment to the sport. Alongside her extensive business background in Kenya, she recognised an opportunity to introduce and expand professional skydiving within her home country. Inspired by her passion for the sport and supported by her community, family, friends, and Kenyan authorities, she successfully established her own skydiving company in Kenya, creating opportunities for both tourism and the growth of the sport in East Africa.
Professional Ratings & Certifications
- South African Jump Master Rating
- USPA Coach Rating
- USPA Tandem Instructor Rating
- USPA AFF Instructor Rating
- UPT/Sigma Tandem Instructor Rating
- FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certification
