Nicholas Bodo named acting KCAA director

The Board of Directors of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has appointed Nicholas Bodo as Acting Director General following the departure of Emile Arao, whose contract expired on April 22, 2026. In a statement released by board chairman Brown Ondego, the authority noted that the leadership transition signifies the conclusion of Arao’s term, during which he led the regulator through a critical phase for the aviation sector. The Board expressed gratitude for his service and contributions during his period in office, the statement stated. Bodo’s appointment, made with consultation from the parent ministry, will enable him to provide supervision and continuity as the authority proceeds with recruiting a permanent Director General. The board indicated that the recruitment process will follow an open, transparent and competitive framework consistent with established governance protocols. Bodo’s latest appointment highlights a growing dependence on his expertise in guiding aviation institutions during transitional periods. This marks the second occasion in less than two years that Bodo has assumed an acting leadership position within the sector. On December 31, 2024, he was appointed Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), while awaiting the appointment of a permanent office holder. The appointment was made by KAA board chair Caleb Kositany, who described Bodo as having extensive experience in all aspects of aviation. Prior to that position, Bodo served as Director of Air Services in the Ministry of Transport, where he participated in formulating aviation policy and supervising air service agreements, further enhancing his standing within the industry. The transition occurs when Kenya’s aviation sector is undergoing consistent recovery and expansion, with rising passenger numbers and renewed attention to safety compliance and infrastructure development. Arao was named Director General of KCAA in April 2022, succeeding Gilbert Kibe after his nomination by then Cabinet Secretary James Macharia. Before joining the authority, Arao worked as Executive Director at the East African Community’s Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA), bringing regional regulatory experience to his role. KCAA serves as the statutory body responsible for regulating aviation safety and security, providing air navigation services, and advancing the development of civil aviation in Kenya according to international standards. Its activities are governed by the Civil Aviation Act and international standards established under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, including practices recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The authority assured stakeholders that operations will continue without interruption during the transition period, stressing its ongoing commitment to delivering safe, secure and efficient aviation services.