(Posted 20th August 2026)
Kenya is accelerating its push to bring a strategic equity partner into Kenya Airways by December 2026, targeting a $1.5 billion capital injection to halt persistent state bailouts.
The National Treasury Kenya is fast-tracking the sale of its 48.9% stake, aiming to finalize the deal ahead of the original 2027 timeline.
Pressured by the International Monetary Fund and a mounting fiscal headache, Nairobi seeks to relieve taxpayers and stabilize the loss-making carrier.
The airline’s financial struggles deepened after posting a 2025 net loss of $132.3 million, reversing a 2024 profit of $41.9 million.
Operations were hit by global spare-part delays that grounded three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
These snags worsened a severe balance sheet mismatch, with total liabilities climbing to $2.43 billion against assets of $1.41 billion.
To attract bidders, the government is open to packaging additional aviation assets, eyeing a deal value of $2 billion. State bailouts will cease upon investment.
