KENYA – Budget carrier Jambojet, has confirmed Karanja Ndegwa as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director effective September 2, 2021.
Ndegwa has been Jambojet’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director in an acting capacity since April 2020 following the appointment of former CEO Allan Kilavuka who moved to head Kenya Airways.
Kilavuka continues serving on the Board of Jambojet as a Non-Executive Director.
“Since taking over as acting Managing Director, Mr. Ndegwa has successfully steered the business, ensuring stability, continuity and growth amid the Covid-19 pandemic which has significantly affected the aviation industry. Through his leadership, we are confident that he is best suited to take the airline to the next level in terms of growth and sustainability,” said Vincent Rague, Jambojet Chairman.
Prior to joining Jambojet in 2014, he worked at Kenya Airways in various capacities which saw him rise to become Kenya Airway’s manager for Revenue Accounting.
He is credited with setting up the finance structures during Jambojet’s inception and has also been involved in strategy development and implementation.
“Since taking over as acting Managing Director, Mr. Ndegwa has successfully steered the business, ensuring stability, continuity and growth amid the Covid-19 pandemic which has significantly affected the aviation industry”
The Kenya Airways subsidiary holds nearly half of the domestic aviation market, offering low-cost tickets.
His confirmation comes amid turbulence in the aviation industry following travel and economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. Ndegwa is expected to lead Jambojet’s foray into the Democratic Republic of Congo with flights to Goma starting September 10, 2021.
Currently, the airline flies to six local destinations as well as Entebbe in Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda from its hub in Nairobi.
Karanja Ndegwa is a graduate of Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi as well as a Certified Public Accountant.
He has a wealth of experience in financial planning and reporting, airline business/commercial strategy, capacity building, strategic management and revenue management, having spent over 20 years in various leadership roles within the Airline Industry.
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