Kenya Airways loss widens to Sh16.1 billion
The loss increased from Sh12.2 billion recorded in the previous reporting period.
Kenya Airways experienced a staggering Ksh16.1 billion net loss in the first half of 2026, nearly matching the Ksh17.2 billion loss from the entire 2025 fiscal year. Despite a 9.1% increase in revenue to Ksh81.25 billion compared to Ksh74.5 billion in the same period last year, soaring costs hampered profitability. Operating expenses surged by 13.8% to Ksh91.9 billion, while fuel expenses accounted for 32% of total costs and a significant portion of direct operating costs.
Higher maintenance costs and global supply-chain issues further strained the airline. Acting CEO George Kamal highlighted that while revenue was the second-highest on record, the cost hike left Kenya Airways with an operating loss of Ksh10.64 billion, surpassing the Ksh6.24 billion loss from 2025. CFO Mary Mwenga noted the carrier operated at 80% of its capacity in 2025, compared to full capacity in 2019.
Despite these challenges, passenger demand remains strong, but the airline must convert demand into profitable growth. Kenya Airways faces structural issues rather than demand problems and aims to restore aircraft capacity, reduce costs, and secure additional capital to strengthen its balance sheet.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Kenya Airways’ loss hits Ksh16.1B in 6 months peopledaily.digital
- Kenya Airways half-year loss widens to Sh16bn as costs balloon nation.africa
