National carrier Kenya Airways has appointed Habil Waswani as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, following the resignation of Captain George Kamal from the position.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a public notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke , it was revealed that Wasani, who is the airline's Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, will take over effective September 15, 2026. Kamal stepped down from his position for personal reasons, but will remain at the airline for a 30-day transition period before his formal exit on September 30.

The leadership change marks yet another crucial step for the carrier, which continues to implement a turnaround strategy aimed at improving operational reliability, returning to sustainable financial performance and achieving its growth ambitions.

Kamal took over as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on December 16, 2025, after serving as the airline's Chief Operating Officer for three years.

📌 What You Need to Know

During his tenure as COO, Kamal was credited with helping stabilise the airline's operations before taking over its executive leadership.

In the notice, Kenya Airways said Kamal also successfully guided the company through its previous leadership transition and later led the executive team in implementing the airline's turnaround strategy.

“Captain Kamal served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence,” the airline said in the notice announcing his resignation.

Waswani will serve in an acting capacity as the airline begins the search for a substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

The board confirmed that it had already started a 'competitive recruitment process' for the position, which it expects to complete in the near future.

Waswani's appointment comes as little surprise, since he has worked at Kenya Airways for more than five years and has 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial legal practice.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke