Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz has refuted social media allegations about foreign employee compensation, stating only 18 expatriates constitute 0.6% of the airline's 3,000 workforce. In a staff memo dated March 2019, he emphasized that 5 of these foreign nationals are KLM managers seconded to Kenya Airways, with two holding senior roles as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Global Sales.
Mikosz clarified that these KLM employees retain their original employment terms, with salaries and benefits covered by the Dutch airline. He denied reports of earning Sh8 million monthly, stating his actual salary is Sh2.7 million, and attributed misinformation to KAWU, the airport workers' union involved in recent strikes.
The CEO confirmed his compensation complies with Kenyan labor laws, including a 29% income tax rate, and rejected claims of salary increases since joining in 2017. He also denied allegations that his wife holds a position at Deloitte Kenya, stating she left the firm when the family relocated to Kenya.
Mikosz announced legal action against those spreading false information, citing efforts to damage the airline's reputation. The statements follow ongoing labor disputes that disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in 2019.
