Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka exits after six years

Kenya Airways Group managing director and CEO Allan Kilavuka is set to exit the national carrier after six years at the helm, as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contract.

In a public announcement, the airline’s board credited Kilavuka with steering KQ through the turbulence of the COVID-19 period and overseeing growth in revenues and cargo volumes that reaffirmed the airline’s operational viability.

The board has appointed Chief Operating Officer Captain George Kamal as acting group managing director and CEO, effective December 16, 2025, as it begins the process of recruiting a substantive office holder.

Under Kilavuka’s leadership, the airline broke an 11-year streak of losses and posted a significant profit, a major turnaround after many years of financial struggles.

The airline says it remains focused on executing its turnaround strategy, including the search for a strategic investor.