Our Leadership
Meet the team guiding KAAO’s vision and operations. From strategic direction by the Board of Directors to day-to-day execution by the Secretariat, our leadership is dedicated to advancing Kenya’s aviation industry.


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:
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Safarilink Aviation Ltd (Non-executive Chairman)
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Sustainable Power Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
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Mettle Solar Investments Pty Ltd.
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Northern Rangelands Trust
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St Andrew’s School, Turi
Mbuvi Ngunze is on the following boards as well:
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ARM Cement PLC
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Bamburi Cement Co. Ltd.
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JamboJet Ltd.
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Lewa Wildlife Conservancy


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


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.


Mary Kai
Mary Kai serves as a Director of KAAO’s Board.


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.


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


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.


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


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)


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


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.


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.


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


Winnie Nafula


Raphael Wamwati


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.


Lydiah Magu
Lydiah Magu serves as the Admin Officer at KAAO, bringing with her a solid background in office administration and organizational support. She holds a diploma in Business Management, IT, and has complemented her academic qualifications with training in customer service and record management. Known for her attention to detail and efficiency, Lydiah plays a key role in coordinating office operations, supporting team logistics, and ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization. Her proactive approach and excellent communication skills make her an invaluable asset in fostering a well-organized and responsive administrative environment within KAAO.


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.


Brian Korir
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.


Benson Gitau
Benson Gitau is a full-stack developer and AI enthusiast uniquely bridging the worlds of technology and Civil Aviation Management. As a Technical Assistant at the KAAO, he leverages his diverse background to engineer impactful tech solutions that drive business and community transformation within the aviation sector. Currently expanding his expertise in data science, Benson is focused on developing tools for enhanced transparency, accountability, and data-informed decision-making. His previous experience as an Operations Officer at Equity Bank honed his skills in process optimization, stakeholder engagement, and analytical thinking, all of which are invaluable in his current role supporting strategic operations and organizational efficiency at KAAO.
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Aero Club of East Africa, Wilson Airport Nairobi, Kenya

KAAO is a registered national umbrella body mandated to promote, foster, enhance and protect the interests of those engaged in the aviation industry and allied businesses in Kenya.