Michael Joseph, one of Kenya’s most iconic business figures and the current Board Chairman of Kenya Airways PLC, will officially retire from the airline’s board, marking the end of an influential eight-year tenure.
In a notice issued ahead of the 49th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for June 13, 2025, Kenya Airways announced that Joseph will not seek re-election, having reached the maximum term allowed under the company’s Board Charter.
“Mr. Michael Joseph retires in accordance with Article 69 of the Company’s Articles of Association and is not eligible for re-election having attained the maximum tenure under the Board Charter,” the statement read.
Joseph, who was appointed Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director in October 2016, has led the national carrier through one of its most turbulent and transformative periods, including the global COVID-19 crisis and the airline’s ongoing financial restructuring.
He is best known for his groundbreaking work as the founding CEO of Safaricom PLC, where he spearheaded the launch of M-Pesa, the world-leading mobile money service that revolutionized financial inclusion across Africa.
Beyond the corporate boardroom, Joseph is a dedicated conservationist, serving as the Chairman of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
His contributions have earned him several accolades, including the CEO of the Year Award from the Kenya Institute of Management and the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear, a national honour bestowed by the President of Kenya.
Alongside Joseph, Raphael Otieno, the Representative of the Cabinet Secretary to the National Treasury, is also set to retire under Article 69 of the Articles of Association.
However, unlike Joseph, Otieno is eligible and has offered himself for re-election.
Shareholders will vote to fill board vacancies during the AGM, with nominations for new directors to be published seven days before the meeting on the airline’s website.
In addition, the AGM will address the re-election of the Audit and Risk Committee, comprising current members John Wilson, Festus Kin’gori, Mohamed Daghar (Principal Secretary, State Department of Transport), and Raphael Otieno. All four have offered themselves for re-election.
The Board has also proposed the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as the airline’s external auditors for the upcoming financial year, subject to shareholder approval.
If approved, directors will also be authorized to determine the auditors’ remuneration.
Michael Joseph’s exit signals a significant transition for Kenya Airways, with stakeholders now looking toward a new phase of leadership for the national carrier.
