Michael Joseph To Leave Kenya Airways

Michael Joseph, a major figure in Kenya’s business scene, is stepping down as Board Chairman of national airline Kenya Airways PLC, concluding an eight-year run at the helm.

In a notice released ahead of the airline’s 49th Annual General Meeting on June 13, 2025, the company confirmed that Joseph will not be standing for re-election, further clarifying that he has reached the maximum term permitted under the Board Charter.

“Mr. Michael Joseph retires in accordance with Article 69 of the Company’s Articles of Association and is not eligible for re-election having attained the maximum tenure under the Board Charter,” the notice read in part.

Michael Joseph was appointed Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director of the Kenya Airways Board in October 2016. According to the airline, he provided outstanding leadership during some of its toughest and most pivotal years.

A photo of Michael Joseph. /FILE

Michael Joseph Profile

A prominent figure in Kenya’s corporate world, Joseph is best known as the founding CEO of Safaricom PLC and the driving force behind M-Pesa—the groundbreaking mobile money platform that redefined financial inclusion in Africa and set a global standard in digital finance.

Over the years, he has earned numerous accolades, including CEO of the Year from the Kenya Institute of Management. He was also honoured with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear, a prestigious national award presented by the President of Kenya for significant contributions to the country.

Outside of business, Joseph is passionate about conservation and currently chairs the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a leading conservation initiative in Northern Kenya.

Other Changes To KQ's Board

Raphael Otieno, who represents the Cabinet Secretary to the National Treasury, is set to retire in line with Article 69 of the Company’s Articles of Association. However, since he qualifies for reappointment, he has put himself forward for re-election, meaning shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on filling the vacant Director positions.

“Shareholders will be requested to elect the Board members at the meeting or in advance of the meeting. Names of persons nominated will be available 7 days before the AGM on the Company’s website page,” added the notice.

Another key item on the board’s agenda is the re-election of the Audit and Risk Committee members, along with the appointment of external auditors for the upcoming financial year.

The current committee members—John Wilson, Festus Kin’gori, Mohamed Daghar (Principal Secretary, State Department of Transport), and Otieno are all set to retire at the AGM.

That said, all four have expressed their willingness to continue and are seeking re-election. Shareholders will vote on a resolution to reappoint them, depending on the results of the Board elections listed as a separate agenda item.

What Does Kenya Airways' Board Chairman Do?

Joseph's exit from KQ will leave the airline with big shoes to fill in terms of a replacement for the Board Chairman. Whoever holds this position plays a critical leadership and governance role, overseeing the airline's Board of Directors and ensuring that the company adheres to sound corporate governance practices.

As the head of the board, the Chairman's primary responsibility is to guide the strategic direction of the airline in alignment with shareholder interests, while holding the executive team accountable for operational performance and long-term sustainability.

One of the key functions of the Chairman is to preside over board meetings, set agendas in collaboration with the CEO, and ensure that board discussions are effective, balanced, and result in actionable decisions.

The Chairman, however, does not manage day-to-day operations—that’s the CEO’s job—but instead focuses on providing oversight, strategic input, and support where needed. This includes navigating Kenya Airways through major industry challenges, such as financial instability, fleet modernisation, route expansion, or external crises like pandemics or geopolitical disruptions.

Additionally, the Chairman acts as a bridge between the board, executive leadership, shareholders, and government stakeholders. For Kenya Airways, where the government holds a significant stake, the Chairman often plays a diplomatic role in managing public-private dynamics and policy-related matters. The Chairman may also represent the airline at key public events, investor meetings, and international aviation forums, shaping the airline’s public image and stakeholder relationships.

Overall, the role demands a mix of strategic vision, strong governance acumen, and the ability to lead through complex, high-pressure situations, especially given Kenya Airways’ ongoing efforts to stabilise its finances and redefine its position in both African and global aviation markets.