Major Shift at Kenya Airports Authority as New Changes Take Effect

Kenya Airports Authority has officially changed its legal status after being incorporated as a public limited company, bringing the airport operator under a new corporate framework introduced through government reforms.

It announced on Thursday, August 27, that it had transitioned from Kenya Airports Authority to Kenya Airports Authority PLC after being incorporated under the Companies Act, 2015, on June 3, 2026.

The change follows the repeal of the Kenya Airports Authority Act (Cap. 395) in December 2025 under the Government Owned Enterprises Act, 2025.

KAA moves under new legal framework

KAA said its incorporation as a public limited company forms part of the Government of Kenya’s State-Owned Enterprise reforms, which seek to improve governance, accountability, commercial sustainability and operational performance among government-owned entities.

Under the new framework, KAA moves away from the statutory structure established by the repealed Kenya Airports Authority Act and operates as a company incorporated under the Companies Act.

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Government Owned Enterprises Act provides for the reconstitution of eligible government-owned enterprises as public limited companies, with Kenya Airports Authority among the entities covered by the legislation.

KAA said the new structure provides a legal framework through which it can pursue greater efficiency, innovation and long-term competitiveness.

The authority was issued with Certificate No. PLC-P6U58MWD following its incorporation on June 3.

Authority retains focus on airport operations

Despite the change in corporate structure, KAA said its core responsibilities will remain focused on providing safe, secure, efficient and sustainable airport operations.

The authority said the new status is expected to support stronger partnerships and help drive further growth within Kenya’s aviation sector.

KAA Managing Director and CEO Moses Wekesa said the organisation would build on the change as it continues working with its partners to advance the sector.

This transition comes as the government pushes ahead with reforms intended to improve the performance and commercial orientation of state-owned enterprises.

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Parliament said the Government Owned Enterprises Act was designed to enhance commercial viability and corporate governance among government-owned entities.

For KAA, the incorporation marks the completion of a legal shift that began with the repeal of its founding law in December 2025 and culminated in its registration as a public limited company in June 2026.

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