Kenya Airways has appointed four new members to its Board of Directors in a significant governance refresh aimed at strengthening strategic oversight, financial discipline and stakeholder confidence as the national carrier continues its recovery and fleet modernisation journey.
The appointments, announced on March 3, 2026, take immediate effect following approval by shareholders and regulatory authorities. Kiprono Kittony has been named Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director, succeeding the outgoing chairperson. Kittony brings extensive experience in corporate leadership, having previously served as Chairman of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Director at several blue-chip companies and advisor on national economic policy forums.
David Ndii joins as a Non-Executive Director. Widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential economists, Ndii has served as Economic Advisor to the President, Chair of the Presidential Delivery Unit and architect of several landmark economic reforms. His appointment is expected to bolster KQ’s financial strategy and long-term sustainability planning.
Chris Diaz has been appointed Independent Non-Executive Director. Diaz, a seasoned aviation and finance professional with international experience in airline turnarounds and capital markets, previously held senior roles at major global carriers and investment banks. His expertise is anticipated to guide KQ’s fleet expansion, route optimisation and partnership negotiations.
Prof. Winnie Iminza Nyamute completes the quartet as Independent Non-Executive Director. A respected academic and corporate governance expert, Prof. Nyamute has served on boards of leading financial institutions, state corporations and international development agencies. Her background in law, ethics and gender-inclusive leadership is expected to strengthen board oversight on risk management, compliance and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) matters.
Kenya Airways Chairman Kiprono Kittony, in his acceptance remarks, pledged to lead a board focused on profitability, operational excellence and national pride. “Kenya Airways is more than an airline—it is a symbol of our country’s ambition and connectivity,” Kittony said. “Together with my fellow board members, I commit to restoring KQ to sustainable profitability, expanding its route network, modernising the fleet and delivering value to shareholders and the Kenyan people who own this national asset.”
CEO Allan Kilavuka welcomed the new board composition as a critical enabler of the airline’s turnaround strategy. “These appointments bring deep expertise across economics, aviation finance, governance and strategic leadership,” Kilavuka stated. “With this board, we are well positioned to execute our fleet renewal, cost discipline, revenue enhancement and regional hub ambitions. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Kittony and the new directors.”
The refresh comes at a pivotal time for the carrier. Kenya Airways has reported steady improvement in load factors, revenue and cost control since emerging from the COVID-19 crisis and completing its debt restructuring in 2024. The airline recently took delivery of new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and has announced plans to resume several suspended long-haul routes while deepening partnerships with global alliances.
The appointments are also viewed as a signal of stronger government and private-sector alignment in reviving the national carrier. David Ndii’s involvement is particularly significant given his role in shaping national economic policy and his public emphasis on performance-linked management in state-linked entities.
Shareholders and aviation analysts have welcomed the changes. Kenya Association of Air Operators Chairman Capt. Abraham Onyango said: “A strong, experienced board is essential for KQ to compete effectively in a liberalised market. The combination of Kittony’s private-sector acumen, Ndii’s macroeconomic insight, Diaz’s aviation knowledge and Prof. Nyamute’s governance expertise looks very promising.”
The new directors replace members whose terms had expired or who stepped down during the transition period. The full board now comprises a mix of independent, non-executive and executive directors in line with Capital Markets Authority and Nairobi Securities Exchange listing requirements.
As Kenya Airways enters the next phase of its recovery and growth, the reconstituted board is expected to play a central role in steering the carrier toward profitability, fleet modernisation and enhanced connectivity across Africa and beyond.
