Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka Exits; COO George Kamal Appointed Acting Leader

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka has exited the airline, with Chief Operating Officer Captain George Kamal taking over in an acting capacity. This transition occurs as the airline continues its financial recovery efforts initiated under Kilavuka since 2020, marked by the restructuring plan 'Project Kifaru' which resulted in a historic operating profit of KES 10.5 billion for the fiscal year ending December 2023.

However, the airline faced challenges in 2025, slipping back into losses due to aircraft groundings and currency volatility. Kilavuka's departure leaves the search for a strategic equity partner unfinished.

Kamal, who has been COO since March 2023, is noted for enhancing operational efficiency and advocating for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption. The Board will soon announce a formal statement on the CEO transition and recruitment timeline.