Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Capt. George Kamal has resigned from the airline, citing personal reasons.
In a statement issued on September 1, the airline’s board of directors confirmed his resignation, with Kamal set to formally exit the position on September 30, 2026.
“The Board of Directors of Kenya Airways Pic (“KQ”) hereby announces the resignation of Capt. George Kamal as the Ag. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for personal reasons.”The statement read in part.
Following his resignation, the appointed Mr. Habil Waswani as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2026.
“The Board has appointed Mr. Habil Waswani, the Company Secretary and Director Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance, as Ag. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective 15th September 2026.” The board stated.
According to the board, it has already initiated a competitive recruitment process to appoint a substantive holder of the position, which is expected to be completed in the near term.
Kamal’s Tenure at Kenya Airways
Kamal’s resignation follows his three-year tenure as the airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).
He was subsequently appointed Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on December 16, 2025, a position he held until his resignation.
According to Kenya Airways, Kamal served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence, drawing on his extensive aviation expertise and experience to help stabilize the airline’s operations during his tenure as COO.
In addition, he led the company through the executive leadership transition in December 2025 and, more recently, the executive team in implementing the airline’s ongoing turnaround strategy.
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Waswani’s Experience and Qualifications
Mr. Waswani is a distinguished corporate and commercial legal practitioner with remarkable multi-sectoral track record, expertise and experience over the past 24 years.
He has served with the airline now for over 5 years effectively leading all aviation and airline operations related legal matters, commercial and corporate law practice.
As a respected corporate governance practitioner, Mr. Waswani, has had successful stints in various listed top tier banking and insurance institutions since 2004.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law and is a Certified Public Secretary,
He is a graduate of the Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GEMBA) Degree programme from the United States International University in collaboration with the Columbia Business. School, Columbia University, New York.
Mr. Waswani is a member of good standing with the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya and the Institute of Directors of Kenya.
In recognition of his contribution and leadership in the legal profession, he has been named in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist, East Africa awards, since 2024 to 2026.
The Board fully supports the appointment of Mr. Waswani as he takes over the origination’s executive leadership during this interim period and wishes him well in the new role.
