Kenya Airways has announced a change in its top leadership, with Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka set to exit the airline. Kilavuka will proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contract, bringing to an end six years at the helm of the national carrier.
During his tenure, Mr. Kilavuka steered Kenya Airways with commitment and resilience through the turbulent COVID-19 period, implementing effective cost-saving measures and strategic initiatives that safeguarded the airline’s operational viability. He subsequently oversaw growth in revenues, passenger numbers, and freight volumes, reaffirming the airline’s sustainability and competitiveness.
The Board and management of Kenya Airways express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Kilavuka for his diligence, service, and leadership, and wish him every success in his future endeavours.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Captain George Kamal, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as Acting GMD/CEO effective 16 December 2025. The Board will concurrently initiate a competitive recruitment process to appoint a substantive successor.
Captain Kamal is a distinguished aviation executive with over 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African markets. Rising from frontline operations to the C-suite, he has led the transformation of several airlines through senior executive roles, most recently serving as Operations Director at Air Arabia and Chief Operations & Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and an MSc in Aviation Management, with expertise in innovation, digitalisation, and advanced aviation systems.
The Board commits to support Captain Kamal as he assumes executive leadership during this interim period.
Looking ahead, the Board remains focused on completing the ongoing turnaround strategy of the airline, whose primary objective is to secure operational reliability, sustainability, and growth ambitions. This strategy includes the search for a suitable strategic investor, with the support of shareholders.
The Board takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for their continued support.
