Allan Kilavuka

Nationality: Kenyan Profession: Business Executive Notable Roles:

• CEO, Kenya Airways (April 2020 – December 2025)

• CEO, Jambojet (January 2019 – March 2020)

• Former Head of General Electric (GE) Sub-Saharan Africa

Background & Education

• Born in Kenya; attended local primary and secondary schools.

• University of Nairobi: Bachelor of Commerce.

• University of Liverpool, UK: Certificate in Psychology.

• Crotonville Leadership Institute (GE, USA): Advanced management, executive leadership, and financial management courses.

Career Path

• Deloitte & GE (Sub-Saharan Africa):

  • Held various leadership roles in finance and operations.

  • Rose to become Head of GE Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Jambojet (2019–2020):

  • Appointed CEO in January 2019.

  • Oversaw operations of Kenya Airways’ low-cost subsidiary.

• Kenya Airways (2020–2025):

  • Became CEO on 1 April 2020, succeeding Sebastian Mickosz.

  • Sat on boards of all Kenya Airways subsidiaries.

  • Early in tenure, implemented a 25% executive pay cut and suspended board allowances to conserve cash during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • In 2023, his contract was extended for three years until April 2026.

  • Under his leadership, Kenya Airways reduced annual losses and was projected to return to profitability in 2024.

  • On 16 December 2025, he took “terminal leave” ahead of his contract’s end.

  • Succeeded in interim capacity by Captain George Kamal, the airline’s COO.

Leadership Style & Achievements

• Crisis Management: Guided Kenya Airways through the COVID-19 pandemic with decisive cost-saving measures.

• Financial Discipline: Focused on restructuring and reducing losses.

• Strategic Oversight: Balanced leadership roles across Kenya Airways and Jambojet.

• Respected Leader: Known for pragmatic decision-making and resilience in challenging circumstances.

Quick Facts