Kenya Airways PLC has dismissed reports circulating in sections of the media regarding its shareholding structure, terming them misleading and inaccurate.
In a press statement issued on April 8, 2026, the national carrier sought to clarify claims published by a local daily suggesting that the airline’s shareholding had shifted significantly, including the purported winding up of the Employee Share Ownership Scheme (ESOP) and increased government control beyond 50 percent.
“The Business Daily newspaper on 05 April 2026, and other digital media channels, reported misleading information regarding the shareholding structure of Kenya Airways Plc,” the statement read.“We wish to clarify that this is not factual.”
According to the airline, the Government of Kenya, through the National Treasury and Economic Planning, holds a 48.90 percent stake in the company, contrary to claims that it has surpassed majority ownership.
KQ Lenders Company 2017 Limited holds 36.30 percent, while KLM Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij owns 7.76 percent.
The Kenya Airways Employee Share Ownership Scheme (ESOP) accounts for 2.44 percent, while individual and institutional investors collectively hold 4.60 percent.
The airline emphasised that the total shareholding remains at 100 percent.
Kenya Airways further clarified that any significant changes in shareholding involving key stakeholders such as the National Treasury, KQ Lenders Company, and KLM are subject to a Shareholders Agreement and require approval at a general meeting.
“The KQ Employee Share Ownership Scheme (ESOP) was duly approved by shareholders, and its shares are not available for trading as they are held in trust for allocation to qualifying staff over time,” the airline stated.
The carrier also pushed back against what it described as a growing trend of sensational reporting, warning that such narratives risk undermining investor confidence and public trust.
“Kenya Airways Plc wishes to caution digital and print media outlets against publishing unverified, misleading, and sensational headlines whose impact goes beyond acceptable limits and serves no purpose other than creating baseless excitement and anxiety among our key stakeholders and the general public,” the statement said.
The airline noted that inaccurate reporting on its ownership structure not only misinforms the public but also has broader implications for its reputation and positioning within the aviation sector.
“Such misreporting and mispositioning of key facts about the Company risks not only misinforming the wider public regarding the status of the Company but also undermines the confidence the public and stakeholders have in the airline as well as its strategic positioning in the broader aviation sector,” it added.
Kenya Airways reiterated its commitment to transparency, corporate governance, and timely disclosure of material information in line with regulatory requirements.
It urged stakeholders to rely on official communications and filings for accurate information.
“For accurate and verified information, stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the Company’s official communications and filings,” the statement said.
The clarification comes at a time when the airline continues to navigate operational and financial challenges, with ownership structure remaining a critical area of public and investor interest.
