Kenya Airways has announced the exit of Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka after six years at the helm of the national carrier.
Kilavuka will proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiry of his contract, formally concluding his tenure.
In a statement released on December 16, 2025, the airline’s Board of Directors confirmed the appointment of Chief Operating Officer Captain George Kamal as acting CEO.
The board emphasized that Kilavuka played a pivotal role in steering the airline through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing improvements in revenue and freight operations, and reinforcing the airline’s operational viability.
"During his tenure, Allan served with commitment, dedication, honour, and diligence, navigating the company through the turbulent COVID-19 period which affected the aviation sector negatively. He subsequently oversaw the growth of revenues and freight volumes, reaffirming the operational viability of the airline," the statement read.
The board and management expressed gratitude for Kilavuka’s leadership and service, wishing him success in his future endeavors. Meanwhile, Captain Kamal will serve in an acting capacity while a competitive recruitment process for a substantive CEO is initiated.
"The Board commits to supporting Captain Kamal as he assumes executive leadership during this interim period. Our focus remains on completing the ongoing turnaround strategy aimed at strengthening operational reliability, sustainability, and long-term growth, which has the full backing of our shareholders," the board added.
This leadership change follows other recent shifts at the airline, including the resignation of independent non-executive director James David Kabeberi in November 2024.
Kabeberi, who chaired the Board Audit and Risk Committee and served on several key committees, was praised for his invaluable contributions during his tenure.