KCAA Advertises Director General Position Following Exit of Emile Arao

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has announced a vacancy for the position of Director General following the end of Emile Arao’s tenure.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, KCAA said the Director General will be responsible to the Board of Directors for the day-to-day management and coordination of the Authority’s functions, in line with the Civil Aviation Act (Cap 394).

According to the notice, applicants must have at least 15 years of work experience, including 10 years in senior management or technical roles within the aviation sector. Candidates are also required to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields such as civil aviation management, aeronautical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, economics, business administration, management, law or related disciplines from a recognized university.

The Authority further stated that applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of the aviation industry, including local and international conventions and treaties governing the sector, as well as familiarity with key legal frameworks such as the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, and the Civil Aviation Act.

In addition, candidates are expected to possess core competencies including analytical ability, strategic thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, leadership and management capability, as well as negotiation, conflict resolution and resource mobilization skills.

Applications are to be submitted to the Chairman of the KCAA Board of Directors at Aviation House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or via the Authority’s official email address, by May 18, 2026.

Following Arao’s exit on April 22, 2026, the KCAA Board appointed Nicholas Bodo as Acting Director General to ensure continuity of operations as the recruitment process gets underway.