Senators cast doubts on Titus Naikuni's stint at KQ
Kenya Airways former CEO Titus Naikuni. Senators on August 13, 2015 cast doubts on his qualifications when he was appointed KQ boss. FILE PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The committee that met KCAA management said Mr Naikuni was not well suited for the position because he had no experience in the aviation industry when he was appointed.
- The senators said the Civil Aviation Act was clear that the accountable manager must have a background in the management of commercial air transport.
- KCAA Director-General Gilbert Kibe and Head of Flight Operations Raphael King’ori were hard-pressed to explain why they did not question the suitability of Mr Naikuni for the post.
A Senate team investigating Kenya Airways's loss streak on Thursday cast doubts on former Chief Executive Officer Titus Naikuni’s competence to head the national carrier.
The committee, which met the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) management, said Mr Naikuni was not well suited for the position because he had no experience in the aviation industry when he was appointed.
Committee chairman Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu, ODM) and Mr Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni, Wiper) said the Civil Aviation Act was clear that the accountable manager must have a background in managing commercial air transport.
KCAA Director-General Gilbert Kibe and Head of Flight Operations Raphael King’ori were hard-pressed to explain why they did not question the suitability of Mr Naikuni for the post.
KCAA DEFENCE
The meeting at Parliament in Nairobi was also attended by KCAA board chairman Samuel Poghisio.
Mr Kibe told the committee that the former CEO had gained experience because he was a member of the KQ board before he was appointed the boss.
“The authority recognised the former MD. He was qualified. He was a member of the dream team when he was Transport permanent secretary. He... had knowledge in commercial operations,” said Mr Kibe.
CLAIMS REJECTED
Claims that the act was not in place when Mr Naikuni was appointed were dismissed, with the committee maintaining that Kenya subscribes to international aviation standards that emphasise competence.
“You can’t think and neither can you estimate. You need to be certain. Prior to the current regulations, what (were) the qualifications for such an office holder? Mr Kilonzo asked.
Prof Nyong’o said matters touching on the law cannot be left at the discretion of some people, as such a move can lead to poor services.
“You veer from being right when you leave decisions to discretion,” he said.
Kenya Airways posted a Sh26 billion loss in the last financial year.
