The country has appointed a new head of its airports authority at a moment of renewed focus on modernising its main aviation hub and restoring stability after a period of leadership changes.

The board of the Kenya Airports Authority said on Tuesday that Moses Wekesa had been selected as Managing Director and chief executive following a competitive recruitment process.

“The KAA Board has appointed Moses Wekesa as Managing Director/CEO following a competitive process,” the board said in a statement.

Mr Wekesa now takes charge of managing and developing the country’s airports and airstrips, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the nation’s busiest gateway.

A role shaped by urgency

His appointment comes as the authority prepares to begin a long-anticipated upgrade of JKIA, with works expected to start in June.

Officials say the project aims to modernise facilities and improve passenger experience, positioning Nairobi as a stronger aviation hub in the region.

“He will lead KAA’s transformation agenda, including the modernisation and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” the authority said.

The task ahead is significant. JKIA has faced criticism in recent years over infrastructure strain, power outages and congestion, raising pressure on the authority to deliver visible improvements.

A background in infrastructure

Mr Wekesa brings experience from the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Before his appointment, he served as Business Development Director at KenGen, where he was involved in growth and investment initiatives.

According to the board, his work has spanned projects across Africa, Europe and Asia, giving him exposure to large-scale infrastructure development.

He holds engineering degrees from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and the University of Nairobi, as well as postgraduate qualifications from the University of Bradford.

A period of transition

The appointment follows nearly two years of interim leadership at the authority.

Former managing director Alex Gitari left the role in 2023 after a series of power outages at JKIA, triggering a succession of acting appointments.

Among those who stepped in were Henry Ogoye, Nicholas Bodo and most recently Mohamud Gedi.

The turnover underscored the challenges facing the authority, from operational reliability to long-term planning.

What comes next

A recruitment notice issued earlier this year made clear the board was seeking a leader capable of steering the organisation through shifting market demands and a changing aviation landscape.

Mr Wekesa now steps into that role with expectations high.

For travellers, airlines and investors, the focus will be on whether the authority can deliver on its promise to upgrade infrastructure and improve efficiency.

For Kenya, the stakes are broader. Airports remain a key link to trade, tourism and regional connectivity.

The new chief’s first test will be turning plans into progress—on time and in view of a public that has grown impatient for change.