Prominent businessman Kiprono Kittony and President William Ruto’s adviser, David Ndii, are among four people who have been appointed to the board of national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ).
Mr Kittony has been appointed the new chairman and independent non-executive director, replacing Michael Joseph who has since retired. Mr Kittony currently serves as chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
In a major reshuffle of the airline’s board, marketing executive Chris Diaz and finance scholar Prof Winnie Iminza Nyamute (Ph.D) join as non-executive directors.
According to the carrier's board, the new appointments are intended to strengthen governance and strategic leadership as KQ implements reforms to improve its financial performance and competitiveness in the global aviation market.
“The Board, Management and Staff of Kenya Airways congratulate Mr Kiprono Kittony, Chris Diaz, Prof Winnie Iminza Nyamute and David Ndii on their appointment and wish them success in their new roles,”KQ said in a statement issued by Company Secretary Habil Waswani.
The appointments follow Mr Joseph's retirement and the resignations of John Wilson and James Kabeberia as directors.
Widely recognised for revitalising the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his tenure, Mr Kittony has also played a key role in founding and leading several companies including Creditinfo CRB Kenya, MTech Limited, Betway Kenya and Radio Africa Group.
Dr Ndii is President of the Council of Economic Affairs, which is a body that provides provides President William Ruto's government with advisory services.
On his part, Mr Diaz currently serves as chairman of Adili Group, director at ALN Africa and the Middle East, and group director at Bidco Africa. He has held influential roles in the aviation sector, including leadership positions at Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority.
Finance and accounting scholar Prof Nyamute is an associate professor at the University of Nairobi with more than 30 years of experience in academia and corporate governance. She also served on several corporate boards, including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Sameer Africa Plc and Family Bank Limited.
