Kenya Airways has appointed prominent businessman Kiprono Kittony as its new chairman and independent non-executive director, alongside three additional board members, in a move aimed at strengthening the airline’s corporate governance and strategic oversight.
The appointments were announced in a public notice issued under the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listings and Disclosures) Regulations 2023 promulgated under the Capital Markets Act.
The airline said the appointments form part of efforts to reinforce board leadership as the national carrier continues implementing its recovery strategy, rebuild profitability and expand international partnerships.
Joining the board alongside Kittony are Chris Diaz, Winnie Iminza Nyamute and David Ndii, all of whom will serve as non-executive directors.
The board, management and staff of Kenya Airways welcomed the appointments and expressed confidence that the new directors will bring extensive experience across business, finance, policy and corporate governance.
Kittony To Lead Board As Chairman
Kittony assumes the role of chairman and independent non-executive director, bringing decades of experience in business leadership and institutional development.
He is widely known within Kenya’s private sector and capital markets community, currently serving as chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Kittony previously played a key role in revitalising the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his tenure as chairman, where he led reforms aimed at strengthening private sector advocacy and expanding membership.
Beyond business associations, he has been involved in the founding and leadership of several companies and organisations including Credit Reference Bureau Kenya, Mtech Limited, Betway Kenya and Radio Africa Group.
Internationally, Kittony serves as vice chairman of the World Chambers Federation in Paris, representing Africa in global trade and business policy discussions.
He also sits on the board of the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation, the institution responsible for Kenya’s securities settlement infrastructure.
Academically, Kittony holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Global Executive MBA jointly offered by United States International University Africa and Columbia University.
He was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) national honour in 2019 by former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Chris Diaz Brings Strategic And Marketing Expertise
Another new independent non-executive director, Chris Diaz, brings more than three decades of experience in strategy, marketing and board leadership across African markets.
Diaz currently serves as chairman of the Adil Group and is a director at ALN Africa and Hidro Africa.
He has played a role in several major infrastructure and investment initiatives across the continent and has previously been involved in Kenya’s aviation sector through engagements with both Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority.
In addition to his corporate roles, Diaz is a fellow of the Marketing Society of Kenya and has contributed to national branding initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya’s global investment and tourism profile.
He is also the first African recipient of the Global Marketing Leader of the Year award and has been recognised with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear for his contributions to community and environmental initiatives.
Diaz is also active in mentoring business leaders and entrepreneurs across Africa and has advised thousands of companies on strategy, brand positioning and organisational growth.
Finance Scholar Winnie Nyamute Joins Board
Finance and accounting scholar Professor Winnie Iminza Nyamute also joins the airline’s board as an independent non-executive director.
Nyamute is an associate professor at the University of Nairobi with more than three decades of experience in academia and professional practice.
Her work focuses on finance, corporate governance and financial literacy, areas that are increasingly important for publicly listed companies navigating complex financial environments.
Nyamute has also played an active role in Kenya’s corporate governance landscape through board service at institutions including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Sameer Africa PLC and Family Bank.
She is a Certified Public Accountant and fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
Beyond her professional work, Nyamute has been involved in financial training and entrepreneurship development initiatives, particularly programmes aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs.
Her academic leadership has also included mentoring student teams participating in the CFA Institute Global Research Challenge.
Economist David Ndii Also Appointed
The board appointments also include economist Dr. David Ndii as a non-executive director.
Ndii currently serves as chairperson of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, where he provides economic policy guidance to President William Ruto.
With more than 30 years of experience in economics, public policy and financial markets, Ndii has been involved in several major economic policy initiatives in Kenya.
He played a key role in designing the Economic Recovery Strategy implemented by the National Rainbow Coalition government in the early 2000s.
Ndii has also worked with international financial institutions including the World Bank and served as chief economist at Equity Bank.
His academic credentials include advanced degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Nairobi. He is also a Rhodes Scholar and Eisenhower Fellow.
Ndii is also known for founding the Institute of Economic Affairs Kenya, a leading public policy think tank.
Strategic Timing For Kenya Airways
The board reshuffle comes at a critical time for Kenya Airways as the airline continues its financial restructuring and seeks to strengthen its position in regional and global aviation markets.
Like many airlines globally, Kenya Airways experienced severe financial strain during the Covid-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions and reduced passenger demand.
The carrier has since been implementing a turnaround strategy aimed at restoring profitability, improving operational efficiency and expanding strategic partnerships with global airlines.
Recent initiatives have included new route development, partnerships with international carriers and efforts to strengthen cargo operations.
Strengthening board leadership is widely viewed as a key component of these efforts, particularly as the airline navigates industry competition, regulatory changes and evolving passenger demand.
The addition of directors with experience in finance, policy, marketing and corporate governance could play an important role in shaping the airline’s strategic direction in the coming years.
Kenya Airways operates flights to more than 40 destinations globally, with a strong network across Africa and key intercontinental routes linking Nairobi with Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
