KQ Sets the Record Straight on Shareholding Structure

Kenya Airways Plc has warned that recent media reports about its shareholding structure are misleading and could undermine public confidence in the airline.

The clarification follows information published in the Business Daily newspaper on April 5, 2026, and other digital media channels.

“Contrary to information published regarding the purported winding up of the Employee Share Ownership Scheme (ESOP) and the National Treasury taking its shareholding beyond the 50% threshold, this is not factual,” the airline said in its statement released on April 8, 2026.

The airline confirmed its shareholding structure as of April 8, 2026.

The National Treasury and Economic Planning holds 48.90%, KQ Lenders Company 2017 Limited owns 36.30%, KLM Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij holds 7.76%, the Kenya Airways Employee Share Ownership Scheme 2018 accounts for 2.44%, and Individuals & Institutional Investors hold 4.60%, totaling 100%.

Share Changes Require Approval

“Any significant changes in shareholding for the National Treasury & Economic Planning, KQ Lenders Company, and KLM Koninklijke require approval under the Shareholders Agreement and will be approved at a General Meeting of the shareholders,” Kenya Airways explained.

Regarding the ESOP, the airline clarified that it was duly approved by shareholders, and its shares are not available for trading as they are held in trust for allocation to qualifying staff over time in line with the scheme’s administration conditions.

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Caution Against Misleading Media

“Kenya Airways Plc wishes to caution digital and print media outlets against publishing unverified, misleading, and sensational headlines whose impact goes beyond acceptable limits and serves no purpose other than creating baseless excitement and anxiety among our key stakeholders and the general public,” the airline cautioned.

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It added that such misreporting and mispositioning of key facts about the Company not only risks misinforming the wider public regarding the status of the Company, but also undermines the confidence the public and stakeholders have in the airline, as well as its strategic positioning in the broader aviation sector.

Finally, Kenya Airways reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, good corporate governance, and timely disclosure of material information.

Moreover, the airline urged stakeholders to rely on official communications and filings for accurate and verified information.

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