President William Ruto on Sunday announced plans to appoint a new board at Kenya Airways, signalling a fresh push to revive the national carrier.
Framing the airline as “the pride of Africa”, he has made its transformation a central focus of his administration’s next reform phase.
“Kenya Airways, the pride of Africa, is our jewel,” he said. “And I want to tell the good people at Kenya Airways, that's going to be my next focus.”
The president revealed that the process of restructuring leadership at the airline would begin immediately.
“In fact, this week, we will appoint a new board for Kenya Airways to make sure that we get men and women who are going to drive the transformation of Kenya Airways as we transform our nation.”
Kenya Airways (KQ), once one of Africa’s most respected carriers, has faced years of financial turbulence, operational challenges and stiff competition. President Ruto’s remarks suggest the government is preparing to reset the airline’s strategic direction through new leadership.
By emphasising transformation, the president linked the airline’s future to his broader national development agenda.
“We are going to drive the transformation of Kenya Airways as we transform our nation,” he said, framing the airline’s revival as part of a wider economic reform programme.
The president also connected the airline’s future to broader ambitions around infrastructure and partnerships.
“So together, we are going to build the sports infrastructure, we are going to encourage partnerships with all other private sector players so that we can move together as a country.”
Although his comments ranged beyond aviation, they reaffirmed an approach centred on collaboration between government and private investors, a model that could also influence Kenya Airways’ restructuring.
Kenya Airways has long branded itself as “The Pride of Africa”, operating routes across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
However, it has grappled with heavy debt burdens and restructuring efforts in recent years, including state interventions aimed at stabilising operations.
The president did not provide details about who would sit on the new board or outline specific reforms expected under the incoming leadership. However, his emphasis on appointing “men and women who are going to drive the transformation” suggests a focus on governance and strategic renewal.
The planned board changes come at a time when many African airlines are navigating a complex post-pandemic recovery environment, marked by fluctuating fuel prices, currency pressures and growing competition from regional and international carriers.
By pledging swift action, “this week”, President Ruto appears keen to signal urgency and momentum.
Leadership changes at the board level are often viewed as a first step toward wider operational and financial restructuring.
His remarks also point to a broader narrative of national pride and collective responsibility. “So together, we are going to move together as a country,” he said, indicating that the airline’s revival would require coordinated efforts beyond government alone.
Kenya Airways remains a key player in regional connectivity, linking Nairobi to major African capitals and serving as a hub for international travel.
Any successful turnaround could have significant implications for tourism, trade and Kenya’s role as an aviation gateway to East Africa.
For now, attention will turn to the composition of the new board and the mandate it will receive. With the president placing Kenya Airways at the centre of his next reform focus, expectations are likely to be high.
