Kenya Airways Acting CEO Captain George Kamal resigns after less than nine months in the top job, the national carrier confirmed on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. Kamal cited personal reasons for his departure. He will remain with the airline during a 30-day transition period and formally exit on 30 September 2026.
The board has appointed Habil Waswani, currently Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 15 September 2026. A competitive recruitment process for a substantive CEO is already under way.
Captain George Kamal, who served as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways from December 2025 until his resignation.
Timeline of Kamal’s Leadership at Kenya Airways
Captain George Kamal joined Kenya Airways in March 2023 as Chief Operating Officer. He brought more than 29 years of aviation experience, including senior roles at Air Arabia and as Chief Operations and Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Aviation Management.
On 16 December 2025 he was elevated to Acting Group Managing Director and CEO following the exit of Allan Kilavuka, who had led the airline for six years. Kamal’s brief tenure at the helm therefore lasted just over eight months.
- March 2023: Joined as Chief Operating Officer
- 16 December 2025: Appointed Acting Group MD and CEO
- 1 September 2026: Resignation announced for personal reasons
- 15 September 2026: Habil Waswani assumes acting CEO role
- 30 September 2026: Kamal’s formal exit date
During his time as COO and later as acting CEO, the airline credited Kamal with helping stabilise operations and guiding the company through the previous leadership transition while implementing its turnaround strategy.
Kenya Airways continues its turnaround programme focused on operational reliability and financial recovery.
Who Is Habil Waswani?
Habil Waswani
Habil Waswani brings more than 24 years of multi-sector legal and corporate governance experience and has served at Kenya Airways for over five years. As Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, he has overseen aviation, commercial and corporate legal matters.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Global Executive MBA from United States International University in collaboration with Columbia Business School. Board Chairman Kiprono Kittony described him as a distinguished corporate and commercial legal practitioner well positioned to provide continuity during the search for a permanent CEO.
What the Board Said
In its official notice, Kenya Airways stated that Captain Kamal “served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence.” The board expressed gratitude for his service and leadership and wished him well in future endeavours.
Chairman Kiprono Kittony confirmed that the board remains fully committed to the airline’s turnaround strategy. That strategy centres on improving operational reliability, controlling costs, restoring sustainable financial performance, optimising the network and fleet, and identifying a suitable strategic investor.
The search for a substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer is already in progress and is expected to be completed in the near term.
Habil Waswani will serve as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO from 15 September 2026.
Context: Ongoing Challenges at the National Carrier
Kamal’s resignation comes at a sensitive moment for Kenya Airways. The airline recently reported widened losses despite revenue growth, reflecting pressure from elevated fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions, aircraft and engine shortages, and the broader industry environment.
The carrier has been pursuing a strategic investor to support balance-sheet strengthening and future fleet expansion. Leadership continuity is viewed as critical while those discussions and the operational turnaround continue.
Did You Know that Kamal’s exit marks the second change at the very top of Kenya Airways in less than a year? The rapid succession underscores the difficulty of stabilising a national carrier that has faced prolonged financial and operational headwinds.
The board has reaffirmed its commitment to the airline’s recovery plan despite the latest leadership change.
What Happens Next
From 15 September, Habil Waswani will lead the executive team in an acting capacity. Captain George Kamal will support the transition until 30 September. The board’s competitive recruitment process for a permanent CEO is expected to produce a substantive appointment in the coming months.
Passengers and stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the leadership change affects operational performance, the pace of the turnaround, or progress toward securing a strategic investor. For now, the airline has emphasised continuity and its determination to stay the course on the recovery plan.
Kenya Airways Acting CEO Captain George Kamal resigns at a pivotal moment for the national carrier. The appointment of Habil Waswani provides an immediate bridge, while the search for a permanent chief executive will determine the next chapter of the airline’s recovery. The coming weeks will reveal how smoothly the transition proceeds and whether the turnaround momentum can be maintained.
Stay tuned for further updates on the recruitment process and any developments in Kenya Airways’ strategic plans. Share this report and join the conversation on the future of the national flag carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kenya Airways Acting CEO Captain George Kamal resign?
The airline stated that Captain George Kamal resigned for personal reasons. He will remain during a 30-day transition period ending 30 September 2026.
Who is replacing George Kamal at Kenya Airways?
Habil Waswani, Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, has been appointed Acting Group Managing Director and CEO with effect from 15 September 2026.
How long was Captain George Kamal the Acting CEO?
He assumed the role on 16 December 2025 and resigned on 1 September 2026, serving just over eight months.
Is the board looking for a permanent CEO?
Yes. Kenya Airways has already begun a competitive recruitment process for a substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
What was George Kamal’s previous role at the airline?
He joined Kenya Airways in March 2023 as Chief Operating Officer and held that position for three years before becoming Acting CEO.
Will the resignation affect Kenya Airways’ turnaround strategy?
The board has stated that it remains committed to the turnaround strategy focused on operational reliability, cost control, financial recovery and the search for a strategic investor.
