Kiprono Kittony appointed KQ Board Chairman

New KQ Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director Kiprono Kittony./HANDOUT

National carrier Kenya Airways has appointed prominent businessman Kiprono Kittony as its new chairman and independent non-executive director as part of a major shake-up of the airline’s board.

The airline also named marketing executive Chris Diaz, finance scholar Prof Winnie Iminza Nyamute, Ph.D, and economist Dr David Ndii 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.

The board said the appointments are expected to strengthen governance and strategic leadership at the airline as it continues implementing reforms aimed at improving financial performance and competitiveness in the global aviation market.

“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 company said in a statement issued by Company Secretary Habil Waswani.

Kittony, who now takes over as board chairman, is one of Kenya’s most prominent business leaders and currently serves as chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

He is widely recognised for revitalising the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his tenure and has been involved in the establishment and leadership of several companies including Creditinfo CRB Kenya, Mtech Limited, Betway Kenya and Radio Africa Group.

The seasoned entrepreneur also serves internationally as vice chairman of the World Chambers Federation in Paris where he represents Africa, and advises 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 from United States International University Africa and Columbia University. In 2019, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) national honour by former President Uhuru Kenyatta for his contribution to business leadership and youth mentorship.

Also joining the board is Diaz, a globally recognised marketing strategist with more than three decades of experience in business strategy, corporate leadership and integrated business solutions. 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 influential roles in the aviation sector through leadership engagements at Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority. A fellow of the Marketing Society of Kenya, Diaz was the first African to receive the Global Marketing Leader of the Year award and has also been honoured with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear for his contributions to community development and environmental conservation.

Finance and accounting scholar Prof Nyamute joins the board as an independent non-executive director. She is an associate professor at the University of Nairobi with more than 30 years of experience in academia and corporate governance. Nyamute has served on several corporate boards including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Sameer Africa Plc, and Family Bank Limited.

A Certified Public Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, she is also widely recognised for mentoring students and supporting women entrepreneurs through financial literacy and business training.

Economist Dr Ndii joins the board as a non-executive director. He currently serves as chairperson of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, where he is the principal economic policy adviser to President William Ruto. Ndii brings more than 30 years of experience in economic policy, research and advisory roles. He has previously served as chief economist at Equity Bank and as an economist at the World Bank.

He is also known for founding the Institute of Economic Affairs (Kenya) and Africa Economics and has played a key role in shaping Kenya’s economic policy, including contributing to the country’s Economic Recovery Strategy during the NARC administration.

Kenya Airways said the new board members bring a wealth of experience in business leadership, finance, governance and economic policy that will support the airline’s strategic direction as it navigates a competitive global aviation industry.