Kenya Airways Names Habil Waswani Acting CEO Amid Leadership Transition

Kenya Airways Names Habil Waswani Acting CEO Amid Leadership Transition

Kenya Airways has appointed Habil Waswani as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Captain George Kamal, marking another leadership transition at the national carrier.

Waswani, who currently serves as Kenya Airways Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, will assume the acting position on September 15, 2026.

Kamal will remain with the airline for a 30-day transition period before officially leaving the company on September 30. His resignation was attributed to personal reasons, according to a notice issued by Kenya Airways.

The leadership change comes as Kenya Airways continues efforts to strengthen its operations, improve financial performance and position the airline for sustainable growth.

Captain George Kamal Steps Down

Kamal assumed the role of Acting Group Managing Director and CEO on December 16, 2025, after serving as the airline’s Chief Operating Officer for three years.

His appointment to the top position came at a critical period for Kenya Airways as the carrier continued implementing measures aimed at improving operational stability and strengthening its financial position.

During his tenure as COO, Kamal was involved in efforts to stabilise the airline’s operations before taking over executive leadership.

Kenya Airways said he also played a key role in guiding the company through an earlier leadership transition and subsequently led the executive team in implementing its turnaround strategy.

In its statement, the airline praised Kamal for his contribution during his time in leadership.

“Captain Kamal served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence.”

The airline said his departure would be managed through a transition period to ensure continuity of operations and leadership.

Habil Waswani Takes Charge

Waswani will serve as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO as Kenya Airways searches for a permanent replacement.

The board said it has already commenced what it described as a competitive recruitment process to identify a substantive chief executive.

The recruitment is expected to attract candidates with the experience required to steer the national carrier through its next phase of recovery and expansion.

Waswani brings extensive legal and corporate experience to the temporary assignment. He has worked at Kenya Airways for more than five years and has about 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial legal practice.

His existing responsibilities include overseeing legal matters and regulatory compliance, areas that are central to the airline’s operations in a highly regulated aviation industry.

His appointment is therefore expected to provide leadership continuity as the board works to complete the recruitment process.

Kenya Airways Turnaround Strategy

The leadership transition comes at a significant moment for Kenya Airways, which has been pursuing a turnaround strategy focused on restoring operational reliability, improving financial sustainability and supporting future growth.

The airline has faced financial and operational challenges over the years, prompting efforts to strengthen its business model and improve performance.

The appointment of an acting CEO allows the carrier to maintain executive oversight while the board searches for a permanent leader.

For passengers, employees and other stakeholders, the immediate focus will be on ensuring that the transition does not disrupt the airline’s operations.

Kamal’s 30-day handover period is expected to support a smooth transfer of responsibilities to Waswani before the former CEO formally exits at the end of September.

Kenya Airways has not indicated how long the competitive recruitment process will take, but the board said it expects to conclude it in the near future.

The transition leaves Waswani at the helm during a crucial period as Kenya Airways seeks to build on its recovery efforts and strengthen its position as Kenya’s national airline.

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Kenya Airways Names Habil Waswani Acting CEO Amid Leadership Transition