Ruto’s Bold Reset: Reshaping Kenya Airways for a Soaring Future
President William Ruto plans to overhaul Kenya Airways’ leadership this week, appointing a new board following CEO Allan Kilavuka’s exit last December.
This move signals a strategic pivot for the national carrier amid ongoing turnaround efforts.
Kenya Airways is set for a new board after President William Ruto confirmed that appointments will be made this week. Speaking at the Kenya Open 2026 golf tournament on February 22, Ruto described the national carrier as the pride of Africa and a national jewel.
He assured Kenyans, saying that the airline would be his next focus.
“Kenya Airways, the pride of Africa, is our jewel. And I want to tell the good people at Kenya Airways that is going to be my next focus,” Ruto said.
Recent Leadership Shifts
This reports confirm Ruto’s confirmation of new board appointments imminently, building on Kilavuka’s six-year tenure that navigated COVID-19 recovery with cost cuts and revenue growth.
“Allan Kilavuka will be exiting the Company as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contractual tenure,” the airline stated in its notice.
Acting CEO Captain George Kamal, a veteran with 29 years in aviation from roles at Air Arabia and Iraqi Airways, has steadied operations since December 16, 2025.
“The Board has appointed Captain George Kamal, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as Acting GMD/CEO effective 16 December 2025,” Kenya Airways said in part of its statement.
The board’s recruitment for a permanent leader underscores urgency for fresh direction.
“So, together, we are going to build the sports infrastructure, we are going to encourage partnerships with all other private sector players,” he encouraged.
President Ruto stated that the new board will comprise men and women tasked with driving the airline’s transformation as part of broader national reforms.
“And I want to tell the good people at Kenya Airways that is going to be my next focus. In fact, this week we will appoint a new board for Kenya Airways to make sure that we get men and women who are going to drive the transformation of Kenya Airways as we transform our nation,” he said.
Why the Overhaul Matters
Kenya Airways faces profitability pressures, fleet modernization needs, and competition from Ethiopian Airlines and Middle East hubs.
In my view, Ruto’s intervention likely prioritizing local talent and fiscal discipline aligns with Bottom-Up Economics, aiming to reclaim Africa’s aviation pride.
A revamped board could accelerate the search for a strategic investor, boosting routes to the diaspora and cargo like cut flowers vital to Kenya’s exports.
Broader Economic Stakes
A stronger Kenya Airways enhances Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta hub status, spurring tourism (15% of GDP), jobs (over 5,000 direct), and trade links across East Africa.
“The new investor is expected to inject a minimum of $1.2bn and up to $2bn into the business,” Mbadi told reporters, adding that the government had already absorbed Sh63.1bn of the airline’s debt, which would be converted to equity once a strategic partner was secured.
“This is not about a partner who merely injects money, but one who can run a successful airline,” he added.
Challenges like high fuel costs and debt persist, but Kamal’s focus on MRO expansion and digital innovation offers promise.
For Kenyans, this means affordable fares and reliable connectivity; regionally, it positions KQ as a growth engine amid 2026’s projected 5% economic uptick.
Expect Ruto’s picks to emphasize governance reforms and partnerships, per the airline’s turnaround strategy.
Success hinges on execution fleet renewal via leases and route optimization to underserved markets like the U.S. and Asia. Stakeholders should watch for announcements this week, as they could catalyze KQ’s renaissance.