NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Airways (KQ) is charting a bold course in redefining corporate integrity, talent management, and sustainable aviation.
The airline, renowned for its extensive network spanning 46 destinations, is not just focused on growth—it’s laser-focused on how that growth aligns with its values.
At the heart of its strategy is a commitment to ethical behavior, attracting top talent, and embracing environmentally responsible practices.
At the recently concluded Africa Business Ethics Conference 2024, Tom Shivo, Chief People Officer at KQ, underscored the airline’s unwavering commitment to integrity.
“Ethics is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a culture where integrity is celebrated, and misconduct is rejected,” Shivo emphasized.
This commitment has teeth. In a high-profile case, KQ prosecuted an employee caught with falsified academic credentials, resulting in a six-month prison sentence.
Beyond punitive measures, KQ runs an internal campaign called Act Right, Speak Right to spotlight both commendable and unethical employee actions.
The airline also took decisive action in 2024, suspending 54 employees and terminating 25 others for the misuse of its now-suspended “Buddies Pass” perk.
Yet, ethical behavior isn’t all about policing; KQ’s staff frequently exemplifies integrity, with one employee recently declining a Ksh. 7,000 bribe and reporting the incident to authorities.
Shivo’s rallying call to businesses is simple: ethical behavior should flow from the top leadership and permeate every level of an organization.
In a fiercely competitive aviation industry, KQ is stepping up its efforts to attract and retain skilled professionals. The airline is particularly focused on countering poaching from Far East companies that are aggressively recruiting pilots, technicians, and flight dispatchers.
To secure a steady pipeline of talent, KQ has partnered with educational institutions, ensuring the next generation of aviation professionals is well-prepared.
The airline’s KQ Academy has become a cornerstone of this strategy, offering regular training to over 500 employees to keep them ahead of industry changes.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for KQ—it’s a business imperative. Through its Project Kifaru, the airline has launched three transformative initiatives:
- A Pyro-Diesel Plant to develop alternative fuel sources.
- An expanded Water Bottling Plant, reducing reliance on external supplies and cutting plastic waste.
- Conversion of Msafiri House into a centralized operations hub.
KQ is also breaking barriers in eco-friendly aviation. It became the first African airline to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on a long-haul flight from Nairobi to Amsterdam during SkyTeam’s Sustainable Flight Challenge.
These initiatives align with global decarbonization efforts, showcasing KQ’s leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
From prosecuting unethical behavior to pioneering sustainable fuel technologies, the airline is setting an industry benchmark. As KQ expands its global footprint, it remains grounded in values that prioritize both people and the planet.
