Kenya Airways appoints Habil Waswani acting CEO as George Kamal resigns
In the interim, the Board expressed full support for Waswani as he takes charge of the airline.
KENYA – Kenya Airways has appointed Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services Habil Waswani as acting CEO effective September 15, 2026 succeeding Capt. George Kamal, who has stepped down.
Kamal, who had served as Chief Operating Officer for three years before taking over as Acting CEO on December 16, 2025, will remain at the airline for a 30-day transition period before his formal exit on September 30, 2026.
The Board credited him with helping stabilize operations and leading the implementation of the airline’s ongoing turnaround strategy during his tenure.
“The Board and management of the Company hereby express their gratitude to Capt. Kamal for his diligence, service, leadership, and dedication to the Airline over the years,” the airline said in a statement.
Background and Experience
Habil Waswani brings more than 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial law to his new role. He joined Kenya Airways in March 2021 and has overseen aviation and airline-related legal matters, as well as commercial and corporate law.
Before joining the airline, he held senior positions at National Bank of Kenya Limited, Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Limited, and Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited, all publicly listed institutions.
Waswani holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He is also a graduate of the Global Executive MBA programme.
He is also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Certified Public Secretary.
Additionally, he has also been recognized in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist East Africa awards from 2024 to 2026.
Leadership Transition and Turnaround Strategy
The Board has initiated a competitive recruitment process for a substantive Group Managing Director and CEO, which is expected to be completed in the near term. In the interim, the Board expressed full support for Waswani as he takes charge of the airline.
“The Board fully supports the appointment of Mr. Waswani as he takes over the organization’s executive leadership during this interim period and wishes him well in the new role,” the airline said.
Lastly, the Board is pursuing a competitive recruitment process for a substantive CEO while ensuring the airline remains focused on restoring financial sustainability and growth.
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