Kenya Airways Plc (KQ) has announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors, including economist David Ndii and NSE Board Chairman Kiprono Kittony.
Ndii joins the board as a non-executive director, while Kittony has been appointed chairman and independent non-executive director. The airline also named Chris Diaz and Winnie Iminza Nyamute as independent non-executive directors.
The appointments were made in line with the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023, issued under the Capital Markets Act, according to a notice from the airline’s board.
“This announcement is made pursuant to the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations 2023, promulgated under the Capital Markets Act. The Board of Directors of Kenya Airways Pic (“KO”) hereby announces the appointment of the following as new Board members of the Company,” read part of the statement.
In February, President William Ruto said there would be a change in leadership at Kenya Airways, describing the national carrier as the pride of Africa and a national jewel.
Profile of Kiprono Kittony, New KQ Chairman
Kiprono Kittony is the current chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), a role that he has held since 2020.
He previously served as the National Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
A prominent figure in Kenya’s business community, Kittony has held several leadership roles across different sectors. He is the immediate former chairman of the Media Owners Association.
Kittony has also served as chairman of the boards of Creditinfo CRB Kenya, Mtech Limited, Betway Kenya, and Radio Africa Group, which he co-founded in 2000.
Beyond Kenya, Kittony served on the advisory council of the International Fund for Health in Africa (IFHA), a private equity fund based in Amsterdam. He is also the Vice Chairman of the World Chambers Federation in Paris representing Africa and sits on the board of the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC).
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Global Executive MBA from the United States International University (USIU) in partnership with Columbia University.
In 2019, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to Kenya’s business sector. Kittony is also known for mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting various philanthropic initiatives.
Who is David Ndii?
David Ndii has served as Chairperson of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, acting as the principal economic policy advisor to the president and leading the team tasked with implementing the country’s economic transformation agenda.
He has over 30 years of experience, as an accomplished economist, author, and strategist.
Ndii holds advanced degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Nairobi and is a Rhodes Scholar and Eisenhower Fellow.
He played a role in national economic policy, including leading the Economic Recovery Strategy during Kenya’s NARC administration and advising on the country’s constitutional review process.
The economist has served as an advisor to the President of Rwanda, consulted for international financial institutions, and held positions such as Chief Economist at Equity Bank and economist at the World Bank.
He also founded the Institute of Economic Affairs (Kenya) and Africa Economics.
Also Read: Ruto to Overhaul Kenya Airways Leadership This Week
Profile of Chris Diaz
Chris Diaz is a globally recognised business leader with over 34 years of experience in strategy, board leadership, and integrated business solutions.
Currently, he serves as Chairman of Adill Group, Director at ALN Africa and the Middle East, and Group Director at Bidco Africa.
He holds academic qualifications in finance and international marketing and has contributed to the growth of major African infrastructure and investment projects.
Diaz has also been involved in the aviation sector through roles at Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority.
He is the first African to win the Global Marketing Leader of the Year award and has received the Elder of the Burning Spear honour for community and environmental service.
A certified coach and frequent speaker at leading universities, he mentors emerging leaders and has advised nearly 3,000 corporations across Africa.
Also Read: Former PS Esther Koimett Appointed to Kenya Airways Board
Independent Non-Executive Director Winnie Imminza
Winnie Iminza Nyamute is a Kenyan finance and accounting scholar, currently an Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi.
Outside the classroom, she contributes to corporate governance, serving on boards including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Sameer Africa Plc, and Family Bank Limited, where she has influenced key market reforms.
Professionally, she is active in ICPAK, participates in the Fifle Awards, and provides financial training with a focus on supporting women entrepreneurs.
She is a Certified Public Accountant and ICPAK Fellow.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
