Thursday 27th August, 2026 08:16 PM|
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has officially transitioned to Kenya Airports Authority PLC, marking a major change in the management and legal structure of the country’s airport operator.
The authority announced the transition in a public notice shared on its X account on Thursday, August 27, 2026, saying the move is part of the Government’s ongoing State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) reforms.
“Kenya Airports Authority is pleased to announce a major milestone in its corporate development. The organisation has officially transitioned from Kenya Airports Authority to Kenya Airports Authority PLC, incorporated as a public limited company on 3rd June, 2026 under the Companies Act, 2015 (Certificate No. PLC-P6U58MWD),” KAA said.
KAA said it was incorporated as a public limited company on June 3, 2026, under the Companies Act, 2015.
The transition follows the repeal of the Kenya Airports Authority Act (Cap. 395) on December 5, 2025, under the Government Owned Enterprises Act, 2025.
KAA shifts to new corporate structure
According to the authority, the new structure is intended to strengthen governance, accountability, commercial sustainability and operational performance.
The authority said the change provides a stronger legal framework for improving efficiency, innovation and long-term competitiveness within the aviation sector.
Despite the restructuring, KAA said its core mandate remains unchanged, including providing safe, secure, efficient and sustainable airport operations.
KAA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Moses Wekesa said the authority would continue working with its partners to support growth in the aviation sector.
The development comes as KAA continues to oversee major infrastructure projects and respond to operational challenges at the country’s airports.
MPs demand faster Wilson Airport works
In June, members of the National Assembly’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee urged KAA to speed up rehabilitation works at Wilson Airport, citing delays that were affecting operators and passengers.
The Ksh1.4 billion project includes rehabilitation of runways 14/32 and 07 and expansion of taxiways.
At the time, Wekesa asked lawmakers for patience, saying the authority was closely monitoring the contractor.
“Honourable Chair, I ask for a little patience. We are up to the task and closely monitoring the contractor doing the runways,” Wekesa said.
He added that the 18-month contract was then in its ninth month.
Aviation workers’ strike suspended
The transition also comes after KAA and other aviation stakeholders reached an agreement with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) to suspend a planned strike.
The agreement, signed on July 27, involved KAWU, KAA, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airways and Jambojet.
KCAA Director-General Moses Ndiema confirmed that the strike notice had been suspended.
“Indeed I confirm that our strike action through a strike notice issued on 20th of July stands suspended and so there is no anticipation for any disruptions whatsoever,” Ndiema stated.
The parties agreed to hold further talks on outstanding labour issues, allowing airport operations to continue as negotiations proceed.
