NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4 – Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Mbuvi Nguze will continue serving as the CEO in a new strategic direction announced by the Michael Joseph, the incoming Chairman of the Board.
The Kenya Airlines Pilots Association had demanded the exit of the CEO and Chairman as one of the conditions for rescinding their industrial strike notice.
Joseph has said the Board and the pilots’ association held talks and agreed to drop the pilot’s demand, adding discussions on a strategic investor will come up in the first quarter of 2017.
The new strategy announced today will prioritize pricing, strengthening management and renegotiating debt.
Kenya airways made a new loss of Sh4.7 billion in half year ended September 30, 2016, a marked improvement from the 11.9 billion shillings it posted same period last year.
The airline’s turnaround strategy, ‘Operation Pride’ continues to be the main focus of the company going forward. .
The airline is planning to introduce 30 new flight frequencies across the network this year, mainly in the continent.
“We are constantly relooking at our network to ensure we continue wining in Africa by offering the most reliable connectivity through our hub Nairobi. We have seen connectivity in the region improve by 14 per cent and are optimistic with our improved efficiency this will increase with the new schedule,” said Ngunze during the announcement of the results two weeks ago.
Former Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Joseph took over as Chairman after the resignation of Ambassador Dennis Awori following demands by the pilots association which had threatened to mobilize a major strike.
Joseph revealed his appointment to the Board came as a surprise but added he is up to the task.
“There are challenges but all of these can be overcome. I have a legacy in this country which I want to make secure.”