NSE dismisses reports of chairman Kittony’s exit

Kiprono Kittony speaks during the bell-ringing ceremony for Kenya Pipeline Company at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Nairobi on March 10, 2026.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that its board chairman, Kiprono Kittony, EBS, has stepped down from his role.

In a public notice issued Wednesday, NSE termed the reports “categorically inaccurate,” clarifying that Kittony remains the chairman of the NSE board.

"NSE wishes to clarify that recent media reports about the departure of Board Chairman Mr. Kiprono Kittony, EBS, are categorically inaccurate. Mr. Kittony remains chairman and is actively leading the Exchange in advancing its 2025–2029 strategy, " NSE said.

According to the statement, Kittony’s tenure as board chairman runs until July 2026, while his term as a board director continues until June 2027.

“As a market regulator and a public listed company, NSE follows transparent and established governance procedures for leadership transitions,” the exchange said in the notice.

The exchange also emphasized that any official changes to its leadership would be communicated through its formal channels to ensure stakeholders receive accurate information.

“We remain committed to maintaining strong corporate governance and keeping all stakeholders informed through official NSE channels,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid speculation online about leadership changes at the securities exchange, which plays a central role in Kenya’s capital markets.

The national carrier Kenya Airways recently appointed Kittony as its new chairman and independent non-executive director as part of a major shake-up of the airline’s board.

Kittony 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.