About Us

An authoritative and unified voice of advocacy for the Kenyan Aviation Industry

The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) brings together various commercial, private and recreational air operators, including but not limited to:
- Approved Training Organizations (ATOs)
- Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs)
- Hot air balloon operators
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operators

KAAO’s associate members are aviation-related organizations such as:
- Tourism associations and companies
- Financial institutions
- Insurance firms
- Fuel companies and marketers,
- Tax and audit firms
- Local and foreign business associations

We provide a platform that allows its members and industry experts to speak with one voice when engaging with the government, legislators, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders on policy issues, and development plans geared towards the long-term and sustainable growth of the air transport industry in the country.

To enable members to exchange information and learn from each other, KAAO organizes events, groups, meetings, and forums. We proactively pursue our corporate objectives to provide effective support to all our members. Join the Association and reap the numerous benefits of being part of an aviation community that gets your concerns addressed.

Member Airlines

60+

Industry Years

50+

Learn more

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Mission

To promote and enhance operations of a safe, efficient and sustainable national aviation industry
  •  

Vision

To be an authoritative and unified voice of advocacy for the Kenyan aviation industry
​
  •  

Objectives

  • Collective representation
  • Desensitize difficult issues faced by individual members
  • One voice for the industry
  • Influence policy
  • Easy access to professional advice
  • Direct access to Government and Government Agencies
  • Self regulation through code of conduct/ethics
  • Provision of fora to discuss and shape the industry
  • Liaison with other organizations
Join us

Behind the Wheel

  • Board of Directors

  • Chairman

    Mbuvi Ngunze
    Vice Chairman

    Jimmy Kibati
    CEO

    Liz Aluvanze
    Director

    Simon Penfold
    Director

    Mohammed Abdi
    Director

    Alex Avedi
    Director

    Godwin Wachira
    Director

    Jim Streit
    Director

    Shakeel Khan
    Director

    Paul Antrobus
    Director

    Allan Kilavuka
    Director

    Mandeep Osahan
    Director

    Sanjeev Gadhia

    Chairman

    Mbuvi Ngunze

    Mbuvi Ngunze serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAAO. He provides great leadership and strategic guidance in the Association’s mandate to promote, foster and protect the interests of its members. 

    He is also the Chairman of: 

    • Safarilink Aviation Ltd (Non-executive Chairman)
    • Sustainable Power Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
    • Mettle Solar Investments Pty Ltd.
    • Northern Rangelands Trust
    • St Andrew’s School, Turi 

    Mbuvi Ngunze is on the following boards as well: 

    • ARM Cement PLC
    • Bamburi Cement Co. Ltd.
    • JamboJet Ltd. 
    • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

    Vice Chairman

    Jimmy Kibati

    Jimmy Kibati serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAAO. He is the Managing Director of Z.Boskovic Air Charters and has a career in aviation spanning over 28 years.

    He is well-grounded in the international travel industry (airports and airlines) and has held various executive positions such as:

    • General Manager of Business Development and Marketing at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
    • Ag. Commercial Director of Kenya Airways
    • Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Nigeria
    • Managing Director of Fastjet Airlines in East Africa (Fastjet Tanzania & Fastjet Kenya)

    CEO

    Liz Aluvanze

    Liz Aluvanze serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KAAO. She leads the Associations’ Secretariat functions in its advocacy efforts for the development of a safe, efficient and sustainable air transport industry. 

    She co-ordinates with stakeholders when engaging with government, legislators, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, development partners and external stakeholders on policy issues, and development plans geared towards the long-term and sustainable growth of the air transport industry in the country.

    Liz brings a wealth of experience as an Air Transport professional with knowledge and skills in Air Transport Strategic Management, Engineering, Regulatory Policy and Air Law, Client Relationship Management, and Contract Negotiations. She has worked at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and with various airlines, including Kenya Airways and Fastjet.

    Director

    Simon Penfold

    Simon Penfold serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Sales Director at Scenic Air. Having over 20 years in the air transport and tourism industry, Simon brings vast experience in marketing development, business strategy, and sustainability.

    Director

    Mohammed Abdi

    Mohamed Abdi serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Chairman and CEO of Skyward Express. With over 25 years in the aviation industry, Mohamed brings extensive experience in business growth and development, strategic planning, cargo operations, government relations, and financial planning.

    Director

    Alex Avedi

    Alex Avedi serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the CEO of Safarilink Aviation Ltd and the Vice-Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF). As an experienced Aviation Safety and Operations expert, Alex has demonstrated a history of achieving results in a highly competitive service industry. 

    He has served in various executive positions such as: 

    • General Manager of Operations and Safety at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
    • Director of Corporate Quality, Safety, Security & Environment at Kenya Airways

    Director

    Godwin Wachira

    Godwin Wachira serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Flight Training Centre (FTC). 

    Godwin is a pilot by profession and has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. He is highly acclaimed for his dedication and service in training countless pilots.

    Director

    Jim Streit

    Jim Streit serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Director of Operations at African Inland Mission (AIM Air).

    Director

    Shakeel Khan

    Shakeel Khan serves as a Director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) and is the CEO of Aircraft Leasing Services (ALS)

    Director

    Paul Antrobus

    Paul Antrobus serves as a Director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) and is the Managing Director of Kasas Ltd.

    Director

    Allan Kilavuka

    Allan Kilavuka serves as a director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) and is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways PLC. He has extensive experience in strategy, business development, financial leadership and planning and has held various senior leadership positions serving as CEO of Jambojet and Head of General Electric (GE) in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Director

    Mandeep Osahan

    Mandeep Singh Osahan is the founder and MD of Helint, a premier MRO and vertical aerospace company.
    As a versatile entrepreneur, he brings a wealth of regional and international experience in the aviation and allied industries.

    Director

    Sanjeev Gadhia

    Sanjeev Gadhia serves as a Director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO).

  • Secretariat

  • Liz Aluvanze

    CEO

    Liz Aluvanze serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KAAO. She leads the Associations’ Secretariat functions in its advocacy efforts for the development of a safe, efficient and sustainable air transport industry. 

    She co-ordinates with stakeholders when engaging with government, legislators, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, development partners and external stakeholders on policy issues, and development plans geared towards the long-term and sustainable growth of the air transport industry in the country.

    Liz brings a wealth of experience as an Air Transport professional with knowledge and skills in Air Transport Strategic Management, Engineering, Regulatory Policy and Air Law, Client Relationship Management, and Contract Negotiations. She has worked at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and with various airlines, including Kenya Airways and Fastjet.

    Salome Kariuki

    Admin

    Seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in administration and management, particularly within the aviation industry. Highly motivated and results-oriented, who possesses a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Her expertise includes leadership, time management, and proficiency in various administrative software programs.

    Brian Korir

    Technical Assistant

    Brian Korir, embodying the role of a Technical Assistant, stands as an adept aviation professional, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Aviation Management from Moi University and a Diploma in Flight Operations from the East African School of Aviation. Skillfully merging his academic prowess with practical expertise, Brian meticulously scrutinizes civil aviation policies, conducts comprehensive market research, and actively engages in client meetings and networking events. With his unique blend of knowledge and experience, Brian is primed as an invaluable asset to the secretariat, poised to make profound contributions throughout his tenure.

    Salome Ngunjiri

    Salome Ngunjiri assumes the role of Technical Assistant at KAAO, bringing a background in business management with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Aviation Management coupled with a certificate in digital marketing. With a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, Salome excels in crafting strategic digital marketing campaigns, leveraging her skills in content writing and adept social media management. Additionally, she brings expertise in customer relationship management, honed during her tenure as a Customer Relationship Manager at Jubilee Tissues Ltd. Her multifaceted skill set and commitment to excellence positions her as a versatile professional capable of driving impactful outcomes across aviation management and digital marketing domains.

Chairman

Mbuvi Ngunze
Vice Chairman

Jimmy Kibati
CEO

Liz Aluvanze
Director

Simon Penfold
Director

Mohammed Abdi
Director

Alex Avedi
Director

Godwin Wachira
Director

Jim Streit
Director

Shakeel Khan
Director

Paul Antrobus
Director

Allan Kilavuka
Director

Mandeep Osahan
Director

Sanjeev Gadhia

Chairman

Mbuvi Ngunze

Mbuvi Ngunze serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAAO. He provides great leadership and strategic guidance in the Association’s mandate to promote, foster and protect the interests of its members. 

He is also the Chairman of: 

  • Safarilink Aviation Ltd (Non-executive Chairman)
  • Sustainable Power Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
  • Mettle Solar Investments Pty Ltd.
  • Northern Rangelands Trust
  • St Andrew’s School, Turi 

Mbuvi Ngunze is on the following boards as well: 

  • ARM Cement PLC
  • Bamburi Cement Co. Ltd.
  • JamboJet Ltd. 
  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Vice Chairman

Jimmy Kibati

Jimmy Kibati serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAAO. He is the Managing Director of Z.Boskovic Air Charters and has a career in aviation spanning over 28 years.

He is well-grounded in the international travel industry (airports and airlines) and has held various executive positions such as:

  • General Manager of Business Development and Marketing at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
  • Ag. Commercial Director of Kenya Airways
  • Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Nigeria
  • Managing Director of Fastjet Airlines in East Africa (Fastjet Tanzania & Fastjet Kenya)

CEO

Liz Aluvanze

Liz Aluvanze serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KAAO. She leads the Associations’ Secretariat functions in its advocacy efforts for the development of a safe, efficient and sustainable air transport industry. 

She co-ordinates with stakeholders when engaging with government, legislators, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, development partners and external stakeholders on policy issues, and development plans geared towards the long-term and sustainable growth of the air transport industry in the country.

Liz brings a wealth of experience as an Air Transport professional with knowledge and skills in Air Transport Strategic Management, Engineering, Regulatory Policy and Air Law, Client Relationship Management, and Contract Negotiations. She has worked at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and with various airlines, including Kenya Airways and Fastjet.

Director

Simon Penfold

Simon Penfold serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Sales Director at Scenic Air. Having over 20 years in the air transport and tourism industry, Simon brings vast experience in marketing development, business strategy, and sustainability.

Director

Mohammed Abdi

Mohamed Abdi serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Chairman and CEO of Skyward Express. With over 25 years in the aviation industry, Mohamed brings extensive experience in business growth and development, strategic planning, cargo operations, government relations, and financial planning.

Director

Alex Avedi

Alex Avedi serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the CEO of Safarilink Aviation Ltd and the Vice-Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF). As an experienced Aviation Safety and Operations expert, Alex has demonstrated a history of achieving results in a highly competitive service industry. 

He has served in various executive positions such as: 

  • General Manager of Operations and Safety at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
  • Director of Corporate Quality, Safety, Security & Environment at Kenya Airways

Director

Godwin Wachira

Godwin Wachira serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Flight Training Centre (FTC). 

Godwin is a pilot by profession and has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. He is highly acclaimed for his dedication and service in training countless pilots.

Director

Jim Streit

Jim Streit serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board. He is the Director of Operations at African Inland Mission (AIM Air).

Director

Shakeel Khan

Shakeel Khan serves as a Director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) and is the CEO of Aircraft Leasing Services (ALS)

Director

Paul Antrobus

Paul Antrobus serves as a Director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) and is the Managing Director of Kasas Ltd.

Director

Allan Kilavuka

Allan Kilavuka serves as a director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) and is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways PLC. He has extensive experience in strategy, business development, financial leadership and planning and has held various senior leadership positions serving as CEO of Jambojet and Head of General Electric (GE) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Director

Mandeep Osahan

Mandeep Singh Osahan is the founder and MD of Helint, a premier MRO and vertical aerospace company.
As a versatile entrepreneur, he brings a wealth of regional and international experience in the aviation and allied industries.

Director

Sanjeev Gadhia

Sanjeev Gadhia serves as a Director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO).

Liz Aluvanze

CEO

Liz Aluvanze serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KAAO. She leads the Associations’ Secretariat functions in its advocacy efforts for the development of a safe, efficient and sustainable air transport industry. 

She co-ordinates with stakeholders when engaging with government, legislators, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, development partners and external stakeholders on policy issues, and development plans geared towards the long-term and sustainable growth of the air transport industry in the country.

Liz brings a wealth of experience as an Air Transport professional with knowledge and skills in Air Transport Strategic Management, Engineering, Regulatory Policy and Air Law, Client Relationship Management, and Contract Negotiations. She has worked at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and with various airlines, including Kenya Airways and Fastjet.

Salome Kariuki

Admin

Seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in administration and management, particularly within the aviation industry. Highly motivated and results-oriented, who possesses a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Her expertise includes leadership, time management, and proficiency in various administrative software programs.

Brian Korir

Technical Assistant

Brian Korir, embodying the role of a Technical Assistant, stands as an adept aviation professional, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Aviation Management from Moi University and a Diploma in Flight Operations from the East African School of Aviation. Skillfully merging his academic prowess with practical expertise, Brian meticulously scrutinizes civil aviation policies, conducts comprehensive market research, and actively engages in client meetings and networking events. With his unique blend of knowledge and experience, Brian is primed as an invaluable asset to the secretariat, poised to make profound contributions throughout his tenure.

Salome Ngunjiri

Salome Ngunjiri assumes the role of Technical Assistant at KAAO, bringing a background in business management with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Aviation Management coupled with a certificate in digital marketing. With a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, Salome excels in crafting strategic digital marketing campaigns, leveraging her skills in content writing and adept social media management. Additionally, she brings expertise in customer relationship management, honed during her tenure as a Customer Relationship Manager at Jubilee Tissues Ltd. Her multifaceted skill set and commitment to excellence positions her as a versatile professional capable of driving impactful outcomes across aviation management and digital marketing domains.

Aero Club of East Africa, Wilson Airport. P.O. Box 27592 - 00506, Nairobi. +254 742 667 856 admin@kaao.co.ke