Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced a change in its top leadership, with Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer George Kamal resigning from the airline for personal reasons.
KQ’s Board said Kamal will continue serving the airline for a 30-day transition period before formally leaving the company on September 30, 2026.
In a statement issued on September 1, Kenya Airways said Kamal will remain in service for a 30-day transition period before formally exiting the airline on September 30.
“The Board of Directors of Kenya Airways Plc (“KQ”) hereby announces the resignation of Capt. George Kamal as the Ag. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for personal reasons. This follows his service at the airline’s executive leadership initially as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a period of three (3) years, and subsequently, since 16th December 2025, as the Ag. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held until his resignation,” stated Kenya Airways.
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 Chief Executive Officer.
According to the airline, Waswani will assume the position on September 15.
The Board said it has already started the process of competitively recruiting a substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the search expected to be completed in the near term.
George Kamal Exits Kenya Airways
Kamal joined Kenya Airways’ executive team as Chief Operating Officer, a role he held for three years before being appointed Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on December 16, 2025.
The airline said Kamal played a key role in stabilising its operations during his time as COO and later guided the company through a leadership transition following his appointment as acting CEO.
The airline also said he had more recently led the executive team in implementing its ongoing turnaround strategy.
Kamal will remain at the airline during the 30-day transition period to facilitate the handover before his formal exit on September 30.
The Board and management thanked him for his service, leadership and dedication to the airline and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Who is Habil Waswani?
Waswani has more than 24 years of experience as a corporate and commercial legal practitioner, according to Kenya Airways.
He has worked at the airline for more than five years, handling aviation and airline-related legal matters, as well as commercial and corporate law.
The airline said Waswani has also held positions at several listed banking and insurance institutions since 2004.
He 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.
Waswani also holds a Global Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the United States International University in collaboration with Columbia Business School at Columbia University in New York.
He is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya and the Institute of Directors of Kenya.
Kenya Airways said Waswani has also been recognized in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist, East Africa awards, from 2024 to 2026.
Aviation Workers End Strike After Reaching Deal With Government
The appointment came shortly after aviation workers called off their strike, which had disrupted flight operations at major airports across the country.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) called off its strike on September 1 after reaching an agreement with the government and aviation authorities, ending disruptions at major airports.
The strike, which began on August 30 affected operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport and Kisumu International Airport.
Under a Return-to-Work Agreement, KAWU directed affected employees to resume normal duties immediately, and both sides committed to restoring operations and maintaining industrial peace.
“The employees shall resume their respective duties and cooperate with management to ensure the immediate restoration and continuity of normal operations,” the agreement stated.
The agreement also provides for the immediate remittance of agency fees owed to KAWU and the resumption of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) talks with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
KAWU said it had reservations about new guidelines issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) but agreed to proceed with negotiations.
Meanwhile, the dispute between KAWU and Jambojet over a recognition agreement will remain before the courts, with the parties agreeing to abide by the court’s decision.
The agreement also protects workers who took part in the strike from victimization, intimidation, discrimination or disciplinary action arising from their participation.
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