KCAA Appoints Acting Director General as Emile Arao Exits

The Board of Directors of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has informed stakeholders and the public of a leadership transition within the Authority.

In a statement on April 23, KCAA Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brown Ondego, said the employment contract of the Director General, Emile Arao, ended on April 22, 2026.

Ondego stated that this marked the completion of his tenure.

“The Board acknowledges with appreciation his service and contribution during his time in office,” he said.

KCAA Picks Nicholas Bodo as the Acting Director

He announced that the Board has appointed Nicholas Bodo as the Acting Director General after consulting the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

Ondego said Bodo will lead KCAA and ensure operations continue as the board undertakes the process of hiring a substantive Director General.

“Following this transition, the Board, in consultation with the Parent Ministry, has appointed Nicholas Bodo to serve as Acting Director General. He will provide leadership and ensure continuity of operations as the Authority undertakes the process of recruiting a substantive Director General,’ Ondego said.

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Appointment of New DG

He noted that the recruitment process will be conducted through an open, transparent, and competitive framework in line with established governance procedures.

“The Authority remains fully operational and committed to its mandate of ensuring safe, secure, and efficient civil aviation services. Stakeholders are assured of uninterrupted service delivery during this transition period,” he said.

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KCAA is the statutory regulatory body established under the Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 394, mandated to regulate and oversee aviation safety and security; undertake economic regulation of air services and promote the development of civil aviation; provide air navigation services; and conduct training of aviation personnel.

In executing its mandate, KCAA is guided by the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, applicable ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), the Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 394, and the attendant civil aviation regulations.

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KAA Acting Director General Nicholas Bodo appears before the Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy on May 29, 2025. PHOTO/ Citizen Digital.