Kenya Airways has replaced acting Group Managing Director and chief executive George Kamal after less than nine months in the role, appointing company secretary and director of legal services and regulatory compliance Habil Waswani as acting CEO from 15 September. Kamal will remain through a 30-day handover before leaving on 30 September, as the carrier navigates financial pressure and an ongoing turnaround effort.
Kamal took over in December 2025 after the departure of Allan Kilavuka, making the succession shift a rapid one at the national carrier. The leadership change follows reporting on a first-half loss, intensifying focus on execution at the airline as it works through its recovery programme.
Secondary coverage indicated that Kamal’s departure was linked to a personal or family matter, although that detail has not been independently confirmed in the material available. The handover to Waswani gives Kenya Airways a short transition window while it maintains continuity at the top of the business.