Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Allan Kivaluka is set to exit the national career after six years of being at the helm.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, December 16, by the airline’s board of directors, effective December 16, KQ Chief Operating Officer (COO) Captain George Kamal will take over in acting capacity as Kivaluka proceeds on terminal leave as the company embarks on a competitive recruitment process to appoint a substantive CEO.
“During his tenure, Allan served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence, steering the Company through the turbulent COVID-19 period which affected the aviation sector negatively. He subsequently oversaw the growth of revenues and freight volumes re-affirming the operational viability of the airline,” Kenya Airways says.
Mr. Kamal is a seasoned aviation executive with more than 29 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and African markets, who has climbed the ladder from frontline operations to C-suite. He has also led the transformation of several airlines from through senior executive roles.
The Doctorate in Business Administration and Aviation Management Masters holder is a former operations director of Air Arabia, and chief operations and executive office of Iraqi Airways.
Despite an impressive professional CV, his headache lies in how, for example, the national carrier will shore up profits – Kenya Airways posted a loss of 12.17 billion shillings (which is about $94.34 million) in the first half of 2025, compared with a profit of 634 million shillings in the same period a year before.
The airline says it remains focused on completing an ongoing turnaround strategy that promises to line up operations, push up sustainability and growth ambitions.
“This strategy includes the search for a suitable strategic investor,” KQ says.
Kilavuka was previously the CEO of Kenya Airways’ subsidiary, Jambojet. Kamal will continue in that role until a substantive CEO for Kenya Airways is picked.
