Kenya Airways Hired More Millenials, Gen Zs In 2024: Report

National airline Kenya Airways (KQ) in 2024 recorded an increase in the number of individuals under the age of 30 hired into its workforce of 4,705 employees, a report recently released now shows.

The airline released its Sustainability Report for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, making it the first organisation in Africa to launch a stand-alone and externally assured Sustainability Report.

Statistics which indicate the airline's shift to the recruitment of youth to grow its operations, show that 17 per cent of employees working for KQ in 2024 were under the age of 30, a rise from 15 per cent in 2023.

However, the rate of those hired between 30 and 50 years dropped to 72 per cent in 2024 from 75 per cent in 2023, despite the age demographic making up the most of KQ's workforce by age in the one year. Additionally, 11 per cent of employees in 2024 were above the age of 50, an increase from 10 per cent in 2023.

Kenya Airways cabin crew staff pose for a photo. /BIZNA KENYA

The number of new employees at Kenya Airways, however, dropped, with 12 per cent hired in 2024 compared to 16 per cent in 2023.

"Our workforce is predominantly in the 30–50 age group (72%), bringing a balance of experience and energy to our operations. Despite a modest employee turnover rate of 4.82%, we welcomed 12% new hires in 2024, contributing to innovation and fresh perspectives," the report read in part.

"With an employee turnover rate of 4.82%, we have cultivated a strong sense of belonging and unity across our teams."

The report further highlighted an increase in women's representation in KQ's payroll, with 44 per cent represented in 2024 compared to 42 per cent in 2023, highlighting what the airline says is its dedication to gender inclusivity.

Additionally, the proportion of permanent employees increased to 82.9 per cent in 2024, compared to 72.3 per cent in 2023, reflecting our focus on providing stability and long-term career opportunities. 

By the end of 2024, Kenya Airways proudly employed 4,705 talented women and men, an 8 per cent increase from the previous year, demonstrating its commitment to growth and opportunity creation. 

"Our commitment to employee satisfaction is evident in the improved Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS), which rose to 40 in 2024 from 21 in 2023. This positive trend reflects the success of initiatives to enhance the workplace experience, ensuring every team member feels valued, supported, and motivated to contribute to our shared success," added the report.

Tom Shivo, the Chief People Officer at Kenya Airways, proudly affirmed Kenya Airways’ unwavering commitment to an inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace where its employees can thrive both professionally and personally. 

The report went on to state that 75 per cent of cases reported by whistleblowers were resolved, 2 per cent remain under investigation, while 22 per cent were found to be unsubstantiated.

The reported concerns ranged from fraud, conflicts of interest, and discrimination to accounting irregularities, product quality issues, and theft of company assets, among others.

Kenya Airways posted a pretax profit of Ksh 5.53 billion in 2024, marking a turnaround after over a decade of losses. The performance was largely supported by substantial foreign-exchange gains.

A key factor behind this improved financial position was foreign-exchange gains totaling KSh 10.55 billion, compared to a loss of Ksh 15.04 billion in 2023, as the Kenyan shilling appreciated by more than 20% against the dollar last year.