Kenya Airways PLC has announced the retirement of Michael Joseph as Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director, bringing to a close nine years of service that saw the national airline navigate historic challenges and record notable achievements.

His departure took effect on June 13, 2025, according to the Board’s official communication released in line with the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations 2023.

Michael Joseph, who joined the Board in 2016, is credited with guiding Kenya Airways through a series of critical restructures and operational recoveries.

“During his tenure, Michael served with utmost dedication, honour and diligence, successfully steering the Board and Company over the years through the various restructures, the turbulent Covid-19 period and guiding its turnaround strategy that culminated in the airline's historic turnaround net profit record in 2024 and with strong growth in both passenger numbers and freight volumes, re-affirming to the shareholders and stakeholders of the operational viability of the business,” the Board said.

The airline further recognised his role in reinstating trading of Kenya Airways shares in regional stock markets.

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“He recently oversaw resumption of trading of KQ shares on 6th January 2025 at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and the respective securities exchanges in Uganda and Tanzania,” the company noted.

Acknowledging his contribution, the Board and management expressed their appreciation for his service.

“The Board and management of the Company expresses its sincerest gratitude to Michael for his exceptional service and leadership, commitment and dedication to the Airline over the years, and wishes him the best in his future endeavours,” they said.

Reflecting on his own journey at the helm of the airline, Michael Joseph shared his perspective on the progress made.

“When I took over the chairmanship, the key focus was to restore the airline's fortunes and help develop a sustainable strategy into the future. There have been many milestones on this journey, both good and bad. It is therefore with great gratitude that I can proudly say the fruits of the efforts we have been putting in have began to show,” he said.

Accordint to the Company Secretary Habil A. Waswani, “This announcement is for information purposes only, it has been issued with the approval of the Capital Markets Authority pursuant to the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations 2023. As a matter of policy the Capital Markets Authority assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements appearing in this announcement.”

Michael Joseph’s exit draws to a close a chapter that will be remembered for resilience and strategic recovery, as Kenya Airways prepares for its next phase of leadership.