Kenya Airways acting Group Managing Director and CEO George Kamal has resigned, ending his brief tenure at the helm of the national carrier as the airline reported a $124 million first-half loss.

CEO exits as losses widen

Kamal, who became acting CEO on Dec. 16, 2025, cited personal reasons for his departure. He will remain with Kenya Airways for a 30-day transition period before formally leaving on Sept. 30. The board has appointed Habil Waswani, the airline’s company secretary and director of legal services and regulatory compliance, as acting group managing director and CEO from Sept. 15.

The leadership change comes after Kenya Airways reported a Ksh16.08 billion ($124.23 million) loss after tax for the six months ended June 30, compared with Ksh12.15 billion ($93.87 million) a year earlier. The net loss widened 32.2%.

Kamal previously spent three years as Kenya Airways’ chief operating officer and has more than 29 years of leadership experience across African and Middle Eastern markets, including senior roles at Air Arabia and Iraqi Airways.

Revenue growth fails to offset costs

Kenya Airways increased revenue despite operating with 9% less capacity than a year earlier, reflecting stronger passenger demand and improved commercial performance. The airline’s cabin factor rose to 76.3% from 72.4%, while aircraft utilization also improved. But higher expenses erased the gains.

Total operating costs climbed 13.8% to Ksh91.9 billion ($710.03 million), from Ksh80.74 billion ($623.81 million) a year earlier. The operating loss widened to Ksh10.64 billion ($82.21 million), compared with Ksh6.24 billion ($48.21 million) in the first half of 2025.

Higher fuel prices, supply-chain constraints, aircraft shortages and limited fleet capacity have added to pressure on the carrier’s finances. Kenya Airways said fuel costs rose sharply during the period as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affected prices.

Pressure mounts on Africa’s flag carrier

Known as the “Pride of Africa,” Kenya Airways operates from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and serves 42 destinations, including 37 in Africa.

The carrier’s financial health matters beyond aviation, with Kenya Airways playing a role in the country’s tourism, trade and broader connectivity.

The CEO change adds another layer of uncertainty as Kenya Airways works to contain costs, restore fleet capacity and return to sustainable financial performance.