Kenya Airways (KQ) has strengthened its board with the appointment of seasoned public service and corporate governance leader Esther Koimett as a Non-Executive Director, effective January 26, 2026.
The national carrier announced on Tuesday that Ms. Koimett joins the board representing KQ Lenders Company 2017 Limited, as part of efforts to reinforce the airline’s governance and strategic oversight.
In a statement, Kenya Airways described Koimett as one of Kenya’s most distinguished and experienced public servants, highlighting her more than 35 years of experience spanning investment promotion, banking, privatisation, public enterprise reform, and public policy.
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The airline noted that her appointment brings to the board a leader with a proven record in executing landmark national projects and structuring high-impact strategic transactions for the Government of Kenya. Among her most notable achievements are her roles in overseeing the initial public offerings of KenGen and Safaricom PLC, widely regarded as defining milestones in the development of Kenya’s capital markets.
Koimett’s background includes extensive senior-level government service. Most recently, she served as Principal Secretary in the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, where she played a key role in shaping policies aimed at advancing Kenya’s digital economy and accelerating growth in the broader ICT sector.
Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nairobi, as well as an Advanced Management Programme (AMP) certificate from Strathmore University.
In addition to her public service career, Koimett is an accomplished corporate board leader. She currently serves as Chairperson of the boards of M-Pesa Holdings Company Limited and AAR Insurance Kenya Limited. She has also previously served on the boards of several major institutions, including Safaricom PLC, the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya Commercial Bank, and the Kenya Ports Authority.
Kenya Airways said the appointment reflects its continued commitment to strengthening board capacity with individuals who bring deep financial expertise, strategic insight, and transformative leadership, as the airline pursues recovery and long-term growth.
