The three-year programme, called 'Changing Lives', will fund projects that facilitate access to water, education, environmental sustainability and health care.

AMREF and the Nairobi Rotary Club are implementing partners of the programme, while KQ will raise the money by encouraging passengers on both international and local flights to donate loose change. The airline flies three million passengers every year, from whom it hopes to collect US$300,000 annually for the next three years.

“AMREF and the Rotary Club, in consultation with Kenya Airways, will invest the funds in activities that ensure disadvantaged people meet their basic needs and are able to live with dignity,” said Mr Titus Naikuni, the airline's Managing Director.

Of the total amount targeted, US$50,000 will be collected on local flights, and US$250,000 on international flights. Donations will be put into specially designed envelopes that will be collected by in-flight attendants. The attendants, who are the official ambassadors of the Changing Lives programme, have undergone a three-month preparatory course to ensure that the initiative is a success.

The Rotary and AMREF brands are globally recognised and respected with a presence in countries where Kenya Airways flies.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Kenya Airways passengers to get involved in projects that directly touch the lives of people, improving their health and livelihood,” said Dr Michael Smalley, AMREF’s Director General.