NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Airways has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors, naming prominent businessman Kiprono Kittony as chairman and independent non-executive director.
The national carrier said the appointments were made in line with the Capital Markets Authority disclosure requirements under the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations 2023.
Alongside Kittony, the airline also appointed Chris Diaz and Winnie Iminza Nyamute as independent non-executive directors, while economist David Ndii joins the board as a non-executive director.
The appointments were announced on Thursday in a public notice issued by the airline’s company secretary, Habil Waswani.
Experienced Business Leadership
Kittony is a well-known figure in Kenya’s corporate sector and currently serves as chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
He previously led the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he was credited with helping revitalise the business lobby group. Kittony has also chaired or co-founded several organisations, including Creditinfo Kenya and Radio Africa Group.
Internationally, he advises the private equity fund IFHA and serves as vice-chairman of the World Chambers Federation representing Africa.
Kittony holds degrees in commerce and law from the University of Nairobi and a Global Executive MBA jointly offered by United States International University-Africa and Columbia University.
In 2019, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Corporate Strategy and Governance Expertise
Chris Diaz brings more than three decades of leadership experience in corporate strategy and marketing. He currently serves as chairman of the Adili Group and holds directorship roles at Bidco Africa and the regional law firm ALN Africa.
Diaz has also played advisory roles in Kenya’s aviation sector through engagements with Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Airways.
He is a fellow of the Marketing Society of Kenya and the first African to receive the Global Marketing Leader of the Year award.
Academic and Financial Expertise
Prof. Winnie Nyamute, an associate professor at the University of Nairobi, is recognised for her work in finance, accounting, and corporate governance.
She has served on several corporate boards, including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Sameer Africa, and Family Bank.
Nyamute is also a certified public accountant and a fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
Economic Policy Perspective
Economist David Ndii currently chairs the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, where he serves as the principal economic policy adviser to President William Ruto.
With more than 30 years of experience, Ndii has worked with institutions including the World Bank and previously served as chief economist at Equity Bank.
He also played a role in shaping Kenya’s economic policy during the National Rainbow Coalition government and contributed to the country’s constitutional reform process.
Strategic Moment for the Airline
The new board appointments come at a critical period for Kenya Airways as the airline continues efforts to strengthen its governance and financial performance after years of restructuring.
In a statement, the airline said the board, management and staff congratulated the four appointees and expressed confidence in their leadership as the company pursues its strategic objectives.
The appointments were announced through a regulatory disclosure approved by the Capital Markets Authority, which clarified that the notice was issued for information purposes in accordance with listing and disclosure rules governing publicly traded companies.
