The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has named Moses Wekesa as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ending a period of acting leadership at the agency that runs the country’s main airports.
Wekesa takes over from Dr. Mohamud Gedi, who has been serving in an acting capacity following the departure of former MD Alex Gitari.
His appointment comes after a competitive recruitment exercise aimed at securing a permanent chief for the authority.
An infrastructure development expert, Wekesa joins KAA from KenGen where he served as Business Development Director, overseeing large-scale projects.
He holds qualifications in engineering and finance, a mix the board says will be key to unlocking stalled aviation works.
His immediate brief is to speed up the modernisation and expansion of critical aviation facilities, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) listed as the top priority.
“He is tasked with accelerating the modernization of JKIA and strengthening KAA’s aviation infrastructure projects,” a statement from the authority noted.
Wekesa’s tenure is expected to center on lifting airport efficiency, raising safety standards, and sharpening the region’s competitive edge as Nairobi fights to retain its status as East Africa’s aviation hub.
Industry watchers say the new CEO inherits a full in-tray, including terminal upgrades, runway works, and efforts to attract more airlines and cargo traffic through JKIA.
The board is banking on his background in project management and strategy to move the projects from planning to delivery.
KAA said the appointment takes effect immediately, with Wekesa set to meet senior management and tour key facilities in the coming days.
