This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
Kenya Airways, the national carrier, is reportedly ending its decades-long marriage with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The partnership, which has been in place since 1996, has seen KLM dominate KQ's management and board, with the Dutch carrier holding significant influence over key decisions.
However, the relationship between the two airlines has been strained in recent years, with KLM's influence waning in KQ's management and board. The departure of Jan de Vegt, KQ's chief operations officer seconded by KLM, has been seen as a significant blow to the partnership.
Mr. Vegt announced his departure on Twitter, citing a strained relationship between the two airlines and suggesting that KQ had turned down assistance from KLM. He also claimed that KQ had abolished the COO post, a claim that KQ disputed.
“Kenya Airways decided to stop all support by KLM. For this reason, I am returning to Amsterdam… as there will be no COO in KQ from now on, I will close this account. Until we meet again,” reads the dramatic post by Vegt.
However, KQ has clarified that it had split the COO position into two divisions and had already filled the posts with local talent. The airline's Chief Human Resources Officer, Evelyne Munyoki, stated that the decision to delayer the COO area was part of the airline's restructuring efforts to enhance operational efficiency and agility in decision-making.
Now, there are no expatriates seconded by the Dutch carrier in KQ's management, while on the board, KLM is represented by one member, from three directors present as of March 2017. KLM might lose its seat on the board should the shareholding go below five per cent.
The partnership between the two carriers started in 1996 when KLM was brought on board as a strategic partner to help turnaround KQ, then owned by the government. KLM had an upper hand in making decisions on a wide range of issues, including the appointment of directors, sale of aircraft, determining KQ's route network, and the allotment and issue of shares in the company.
