Kenya Airways has dismissed recent media reports suggesting that Kenya’s National Treasury has acquired a majority stake in the national carrier, describing the claims as inaccurate, misleading, and sensationalized. The airline clarified that there have been no such changes to its ownership structure, seeking to correct public misconceptions triggered by the reports.
Accordign to ch-aviation.com, in a statement, the national carrier debunked information published by Kenya’s Business Daily on April 5, as well as claims across various digital media channels, which it said had incorrectly suggested that the airline’s Employee Share Ownership Scheme (ESOP) was being wound up and that the Treasury’s shareholding had surpassed the 50% threshold.
Kenya Airways clarified that as of April 8, 2026, the National Treasury and Economic Planning holds a 48.9% stake, remaining below the 50% mark. The airline’s full shareholding structure is confirmed as follows:
- National Treasury and Economic Planning: 48.90%;
- KQ Lenders Company 2017 Limited: 36.30%;
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: 7.76%;
- Kenya Airways Employee Share Ownership Scheme 2018: 2.44%;
- individuals and institutional investors: 4.60%.
The airline further clarified that the ESOP remained active and was duly approved by shareholders. These shares are currently held in trust for allocation to qualifying staff and are not available for trading. Kenya Airways noted that any significant change in shareholding for major entities like the National Treasury, KLM, or KQ Lenders Company is strictly governed by shareholders’ agreement and requires approval at a general meeting of the shareholders
