- President William Ruto confirmed plans to appoint a new board for Kenya Airways this week.
- The board will drive reforms aimed at reversing years of losses and mismanagement.
- Former CEO Allan Kilavuka left in December 2025; George Kamal serves as Acting CEO.
- Kenya Airways posted a half-year loss of Sh12.15 billion in H1 2025 and faces a negative net margin of 16.3%.
Speaking at the Kenya Open 2026 golf tournament on February 22, President William Ruto described Kenya Airways as “the pride of Africa” and promised to prioritise the airline’s revival.
He emphasised that the upcoming board appointments will select leaders capable of implementing strategic reforms to restore operational efficiency and financial stability.
The announcement comes after the departure of Allan Kilavuka, who went on terminal leave on December 16, 2025, after six years as CEO. To maintain continuity, George Kamal, the Chief Operating Officer, has been serving as Acting CEO while a permanent replacement is sought through a competitive process.
The new board is expected to play a critical role in guiding Kenya Airways through its next phase, combining financial oversight with operational leadership.
Kenya Airways has faced worsening financial performance. The airline recorded a Sh12.15 billion loss in the first half of 2025, compared to a Sh513 million profit in the same period in 2024. Revenue dropped from Sh91.5 billion to Sh74.5 billion, while operating costs slightly fell to Sh80.7 billion.
The carrier’s balance sheet shows assets of Sh180.3 billion against liabilities of Sh309.9 billion, leaving a negative equity position of Sh129.5 billion, up from Sh118.2 billion six months earlier.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has outlined plans to attract foreign investment ranging between Sh154.8 billion ($1.2bn) and Sh258 billion ($2bn). The government is also ready to include additional assets to entice a strategic partner.
Already, Sh63.1 billion of Kenya Airways’ debt has been absorbed by the government and will be converted to equity once a partner is identified.
Mbadi stressed that the ideal investor should not only inject funds but also bring operational expertise to run the airline efficiently.
The upcoming board appointments represent a key milestone in the government’s plan to restore Kenya Airways’ stature as a leading African airline. By combining new leadership, strategic investment, and debt restructuring, the airline aims to overcome mounting financial pressures and operational hurdles while securing a sustainable future.
