The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has entered a new phase of leadership after appointing Nicholas Bodo as Acting Director General, following the end of Emile Arao’s contract on April 22, 2026. The transition, announced by the Board, is aimed at keeping operations steady as the process of recruiting a permanent chief begins.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Board of Directors confirmed that the change in leadership had taken effect after Arao completed his term at the aviation regulator.
“The employment contract of the Director General, Emile Arao, came to end on April 22, 2026, marking the completion of his tenure,” the Board said.
The Board also noted Arao’s role during his time in office, appreciating the work he carried out while leading the authority.
Following the end of his contract, the Board said it moved, in consultation with the Parent Ministry, to put in place an acting head to oversee the organisation’s operations during the transition period.
“Following this transition, the Board, in consultation with the Parent Ministry, has appointed Nicholas Bodo to serve as Acting Director General,” the statement said.
Bodo will now take charge of the day-to-day running of the authority, with a key focus on ensuring stability and continuity as the leadership transition takes shape.
“He will provide leadership and ensure continuity of operations as the Authority undertakes the process of recruiting a substantive Director General,” the Board added.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the recruitment of a permanent Director General will be carried out through a structured process that meets governance and transparency standards.
“The recruitment process will be conducted through an open, transparent, and competitive framework in line with established governance procedures,” the statement said.
The authority further assured players in the aviation sector and the public that its services will continue without disruption despite the leadership changes.
“The Authority remains fully operational and committed to its mandate of ensuring safe, secure, and efficient civil aviation services,” it said.
It also added that service delivery across the sector will remain stable during the transition period.
“Stakeholders are assured of uninterrupted service delivery during this transition period,” the statement added.
KCAA, established under the Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 394, serves as Kenya’s regulator for civil aviation. It is responsible for overseeing aviation safety and security, regulating air services, promoting the growth of civil aviation, managing air navigation services, and training aviation personnel.
The authority also aligns its operations with global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national regulations governing the aviation sector.
Board Chair Brown M. M. Ondego signed the statement confirming the leadership changes and the start of the transition process.
The Board said the move is part of normal governance procedures designed to ensure continuity in leadership and effective oversight of the aviation sector as recruitment for a substantive Director General gets underway.