KAA settles for Jonny Andersen as new MD

After three failed attempts in recruiting a managing director, the Kenya Airports Authority board has finally settled on a Norwegian to fill the spot.

Jonny Andersen takes over as MD with immediate effect, replacing Lucy Mbugua who was sacked in 2015 over corruption allegations.

Mr Andersen joins KAA from Norway’s state owned airport management firm Avinor AS, which manages seven state owned airports.

Speaking while making the announcement, KAA Chairman Julius Karangi said the new MD’s qualifications and experience would play a significant role in steering KAA to modernizing the country’s airports.

“Mr Andersen has wide knowledge and experience in the aviation industry and specifically running airport hubs across the world. He is a good fit KAA, even as the expansion and modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other aerodromes gains steam,” Mr Karangi said.

The board has also on three occasions cancelled the recruitment of the authority’s chief executive officer on grounds of intense lobbying and canvassing by interested parties.

The KAA board in February picked consultancy firm PwC to conduct the recruitment for the new MD.

Six candidates made the shortlist and were interviewed by the board, but only three names were forwarded to Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.

Yatich Kangugo, who has been serving as the acting MD since last year came in a distant fifth with a score of 63 points.

Mr Andersen scored 88 points during the recruitment process followed by Joseph Kimote who scored 82 points. FastJet country manager James Kibati came in third with 74 points.

The recruitment process even took an interesting twist when President Uhuru Kenyatta revoked the appointment of David Kimayo as chairman replacing him with Mr Karangi.

Mr Andersen holds a master’s of science degree in air transport management and a bachelor of business administration in logistics. He is also a fellow at the Royal Aeronautical Society of the UK.

At the same time, the KAA board has advertised for seven general manager posts that have remained vacant since last year.