National carrier Kenya Airways has announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors as part of efforts to strengthen governance and strategic leadership at the airline.
The appointments include economist David Ndii, businessman Kiprono Kittony, corporate leader Chris Diaz, and finance scholar Winnie Iminza Nyamute.
In a public statement released Thursday, the airline said the changes were made in compliance with disclosure regulations set by the Capital Markets Authority, which governs listed companies in Kenya.
Kiprono Kittony Named Board Chairperson
Business leader Kiprono Kittony will serve as Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of the Kenya Airways board.
Kittony currently chairs the Nairobi Securities Exchange and is widely known for his role in revitalising the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Throughout his career, he has helped establish or lead several organisations, including Creditinfo CRB Kenya, Mtech Limited, Betway Kenya, and Radio Africa Group.
Academically, Kittony holds both a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, along with a Global Executive MBA from United States International University-Africa and Columbia University.
In 2019, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in recognition of his contribution to business leadership.
Economist David Ndii Joins as Non-Executive Director
Renowned economist David Ndii will serve as a Non-Executive Director on the board. Ndii currently chairs the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, where he advises President William Ruto on economic policy and leads initiatives tied to the government’s economic transformation agenda.
With more than three decades of experience, Ndii has built a reputation as a prominent economist, author and policy strategist. He is a Rhodes Scholar and Eisenhower Fellow, holding advanced degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Nairobi.
His previous roles include serving as Chief Economist at Equity Bank and working with the World Bank. He also founded the Institute of Economic Affairs and Africa Economics.
Independent Directors Bring Corporate and Financial Expertise
Chris Diaz and Prof. Winnie Nyamute have been appointed as Independent Non-Executive Directors, bringing extensive experience in corporate governance and strategy.
Diaz currently chairs Adili Group, serves as a director at ALN Africa, and holds a group director role at Bidco Africa. With over 34 years of experience in integrated business solutions, he has also contributed to the aviation sector through previous roles with Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority.
Meanwhile, Prof. Winnie Nyamute is an associate professor at the University of Nairobi and a respected expert in finance and accounting with more than 30 years of professional experience.
She has served on multiple corporate boards, including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Sameer Africa Plc, and Family Bank Limited.
A Certified Public Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, Nyamute is recognised for her leadership and contributions to Kenya’s financial sector.
Strengthening Governance at the National Carrier
The new board appointments come as Kenya Airways continues efforts to strengthen corporate governance and steer the airline toward sustainable growth in a competitive global aviation market.
Industry observers note that bringing together experienced leaders from economics, finance, academia and corporate management could help the airline navigate complex operational and financial challenges while expanding its regional and international footprint.
