Allan Kilavuka is a distinguished Kenyan corporate executive renowned for his leadership roles in the aviation industry. Since April 1, 2020, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenya Airways, the national airline of Kenya. Prior to this, he was the CEO of Jambojet, a low-cost carrier wholly owned by Kenya Airways, from January 2019 to March 2020.
Early life and education
Born and raised in Kenya, Kilavuka attended local primary and secondary schools. He pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Furthering his academic credentials, he obtained a Certificate in Psychology from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Kilavuka has undertaken advanced management, executive leadership, and financial management courses at the Crotonville Leadership Institute in Westchester County, New York, USA, owned by General Electric.
Professional career
Kilavuka’s professional journey commenced in the late 1990s, marking his entry into the corporate world. He has held significant positions in various organizations, including General Electric (GE) and Deloitte, focusing on their sub-Saharan African operations. Notably, he served as the head of GE in sub-Saharan Africa, a role that provided him with extensive experience in the corporate sector.
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In November 2018, Kilavuka was appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways. His leadership at Jambojet was characterized by strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the airline’s operations and profitability. His tenure at Jambojet set the stage for his subsequent appointment at Kenya Airways.
On April 1, 2020, Kilavuka assumed the role of CEO at Kenya Airways, succeeding Sebastian Mikosz. His appointment came at a challenging time for the airline, coinciding with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the aviation industry. Demonstrating decisive leadership, Kilavuka implemented measures to mitigate the financial strain on the airline, including a 25% pay cut for top executives and a suspension of board allowances.
Under Kilavuka’s stewardship, Kenya Airways has made significant strides toward financial recovery. The airline has reduced its annual losses and is projected to achieve profitability in 2024. In 2023, the board of directors extended Kilavuka’s contract for an additional three years, underscoring their confidence in his leadership and vision for the airline’s future.
Board memberships and affiliations
Beyond his role at Kenya Airways, Kilavuka serves as a Non-Executive Board Member for two of the airline’s subsidiaries: Jambojet and Precision Air, a Tanzanian operator. His involvement in these subsidiaries reflects his commitment to the broader aviation industry in the region.
