Kenya Airways has reshuffled its board, appointing prominent businessman Kiprono Kittony as chairman and independent non-executive director as the national carrier seeks to strengthen governance and accelerate ongoing strategic reforms.
The airline also named marketing strategist Chris Diaz, economist David Ndii and finance scholar Prof Winnie Iminza Nyamute as non-executive directors.
The appointments were announced in a notice issued by the airline’s board in compliance with the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations 2023 under the Capital Markets Authority framework.
Kenya Airways said the new board leadership is expected to enhance governance oversight and support the airline’s long-term strategy as it works to improve financial performance and competitiveness within the global aviation industry.
“The Board, Management and Staff of Kenya Airways congratulate Mr Kiprono Kittony, Chris Diaz, Prof Winnie Iminza Nyamute and David Ndii on their appointment and wish them success in their new roles,” the airline said in a statement issued by Company Secretary Habil Waswani.
The airline added that the appointments bring extensive experience in business leadership, marketing, finance and economic policy to the board.
Kittony appointed to lead airline board
Kittony takes over as board chairman while also serving as an independent non-executive director.
He is one of Kenya most recognised private sector leaders and currently serves as chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Kittony previously led the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he played a key role in strengthening business networks and promoting entrepreneurship across the country.
His business career spans several sectors including financial services, technology, media and gaming.
He has been involved in establishing and leading companies such as Creditinfo CRB Kenya, Mtech Limited, Betway Kenya and Radio Africa Group.
Internationally, Kittony serves as vice chairman of the World Chambers Federation in Paris where he represents Africa. He also serves as an adviser to the Amsterdam-based private equity fund IFHA.
Kittony holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Nairobi as well as a Global Executive MBA jointly offered by United States International University Africa and Columbia University.
In 2019, he received the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear national honour awarded by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in recognition of his contribution to business leadership and youth mentorship.
Board strengthened with marketing leadership
Chris Diaz joins the Kenya Airways board as an independent non-executive director with more than 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, marketing strategy and business transformation.
Diaz currently serves as chairman of Adili Group, director at ALN Africa and the Middle East, and group director at Bidco Africa.
He has also played roles linked to the aviation sector through leadership engagements at Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority.
Diaz is a fellow of the Marketing Society of Kenya and became the first African to receive the Global Marketing Leader of the Year award.
He has also been awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear for his contributions to environmental conservation and community development.
Prof Winnie Iminza Nyamute joins the board as an independent non-executive director bringing more than 30 years of experience in academia and corporate governance.
She is an associate professor at the University of Nairobi and has served on several corporate boards including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Sameer Africa Plc and Family Bank Limited.
Nyamute is a Certified Public Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
She is widely recognised for mentoring university students and supporting women entrepreneurs through financial literacy and business training initiatives.
Economist David Ndii joins the board as a non-executive director.
Ndii currently serves as chairperson of the President Council of Economic Advisors, where he is the principal economic policy adviser to President William Ruto.
He has more than 30 years of experience in economic research, policy analysis and advisory work.
Ndii previously served as chief economist at Equity Bank and worked as an economist at the World Bank.
He also founded the Institute of Economic Affairs Kenya and Africa Economics and contributed to Kenya Economic Recovery Strategy during the National Rainbow Coalition administration.
Kenya Airways said the combined expertise of the four appointees will support the airline strategic direction as it navigates a competitive global aviation market.
