Kenya Airways Acting CEO George Kamal Resigns, Habil Waswani Named Successor

Kenya Airways acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Captain George Kamal has resigned from the national carrier, citing personal reasons, bringing his brief tenure at the helm of the airline to an end.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kenya Airways said Kamal, who has served as acting Group Managing Director and CEO since December 16, 2025, will remain with the airline for a 30-day transition period before formally leaving the company on September 30, 2026.

Kamal previously served as Kenya Airways' Chief Operating Officer for three years before taking over the acting CEO position.

During his time in the airline's executive leadership, Kenya Airways credited him with helping stabilise operations and supporting the implementation of its ongoing turnaround strategy.

The airline's board expressed its appreciation to Kamal for his service, leadership and commitment to the national carrier, and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Habil Waswani Appointed Acting CEO

Following Kamal's resignation, the Kenya Airways board has appointed Habil Waswani, the company's Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, as acting Group Managing Director and CEO.

Waswani will assume the position effective September 15, 2026.

He has worked at Kenya Airways for more than five years, where he has been responsible for aviation and airline-related legal matters, as well as commercial and corporate law.

The incoming acting CEO brings more than 24 years of experience as a corporate and commercial legal practitioner. Before joining Kenya Airways, he held senior positions at listed banking and insurance institutions.

Waswani holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and is a Certified Public Secretary.

He also holds a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from the United States International University, earned in collaboration with Columbia Business School at Columbia University in New York.

Search for Substantive CEO Underway

The board has also commenced the process of competitively recruiting a substantive Group Managing Director and CEO.

Kenya Airways said it expects the recruitment process to be completed in the near term as it seeks permanent leadership for the airline at a critical stage of its recovery.

The transition comes as the national carrier continues implementing a turnaround strategy aimed at strengthening its operational and financial performance.

“The company remains focused on the ongoing turnaround strategy of the airline whose primary objective is to secure its operational reliability, return to positive financial performance sustainability and achievement of its targeted growth ambitions, and this has the full support of the shareholders,” the statement read in part.

Focus Remains on Kenya Airways' Turnaround

Kamal's departure adds another leadership transition at a time when Kenya Airways is working to consolidate operational improvements and move towards sustainable profitability.

The airline's turnaround programme is focused on improving operational reliability, strengthening financial performance and positioning the carrier for sustainable growth.

With Waswani set to take over as acting CEO and the search for a substantive chief executive underway, the board will now be expected to ensure continuity while maintaining momentum on the airline's recovery programme.

Kamal's 30-day transition period is expected to facilitate a smooth handover before his formal exit at the end of September.