From Corporate Lawyer to Kenya Airways Acting CEO: Meet Habil Waswani

Habil Anyanzwa Waswani is a Kenyan corporate lawyer and governance professional who has built a career across the banking, insurance and aviation sectors.

His latest career move has placed him at the centre of Kenya Airways’ leadership. The airline appointed Waswani as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2026, following the resignation of Captain George Kamal.

Waswani brings more than 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial law to the position. He has also worked at Kenya Airways for more than five years, giving him an understanding of the airline’s legal, regulatory and corporate affairs.

Habil Waswani Education Background

Waswani holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

He later expanded his skills beyond law by pursuing a Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GEMBA) through United States International University in collaboration with Columbia Business School, Columbia University in New York.

He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a practising Certified Public Secretary.

Waswani is also a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya and the Institute of Directors.

Career in Banking and Insurance

Before joining Kenya Airways, Waswani held senior legal and corporate governance positions in the banking and insurance sectors.

He served as Head of Legal and Company Secretary at Diamond Trust Bank Kenya. He later joined Kenya Reinsurance Corporation, where he became General Manager, Legal and Company Secretary.

He also served at National Bank of Kenya in a senior legal and company-secretarial role.

These positions gave him experience in corporate law, banking and finance, regulatory compliance, governance and commercial transactions. Kenya Airways records describe him as having more than 20 years of corporate and commercial law experience.

Joining Kenya Airways

Waswani joined Kenya Airways in March 2021.He initially served as Chief Legal Officer, Risk and Compliance before taking up the position of Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance.

At the national carrier, he has handled legal and regulatory matters affecting the airline while also supporting corporate governance and board operations.

His role placed him close to important decisions involving the airline’s legal affairs, compliance and corporate structure.

Kenya Airways’ 2025 annual report lists him as the company’s Company Secretary and notes that he is an Advocate of the High Court and a practising Certified Public Secretary.

Also Read:Kenya Airways Names New Acting CEO Hours After Aviation Workers’ Strike

Recognition in the Legal Profession

Waswani has also received recognition for his work in the legal profession.He has been recognised in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist for East Africa, highlighting his work as an in-house legal professional.

His experience across banking, insurance and aviation has given him exposure to highly regulated industries where corporate governance, risk management and compliance play an important role.

Also Read:Kenya Airways Offers Up to 8% Off 2026 Flights With Visa Promo Code

Taking Over at Kenya Airways

Waswani takes over at a significant time for Kenya Airways as the airline continues to implement its turnaround strategy.

The board said the strategy focuses on improving operational reliability, achieving sustainable positive financial performance and supporting the airline’s growth ambitions.

His appointment follows the resignation of Captain George Kamal, who had been serving as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO.

Unlike Kamal, whose career was largely rooted in aviation operations, Waswani comes into the role with a background in law, corporate governance, risk and regulatory affairs.

Photo of KQ flight
PHOTO/Kenya Airways