Airtel Kenya appoints Djibril Tobe as new Managing Director
By Sharon Atieno, June 30, 2026Airtel Kenya has announced a major leadership transition after appointing Djibril Tobe as its new Managing Director, replacing Ashish Malhotra, who has now moved to a new regional role as the Chief Executive Officer of Indus Towers Africa.
In a statement shared on its X account on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Airtel Kenya said the Board of Airtel Networks Kenya Limited had approved the appointment, with Tobe officially assuming office from July 1, 2026.
The telecommunications giant said the appointment marks a new chapter for the company as it continues strengthening its position in Kenya’s highly competitive telecom sector.
“We are pleased to announce the Board of Airtel Networks Kenya Limited has appointed Djibril Tobe as the Managing Director of Airtel Kenya effective 1st July 2026, succeeding Ashish Malhotra who takes up a new role as the Chief Executive Officer of Indus Towers Africa,” Airtel Kenya stated.
According to the company, Malhotra will now take up a bigger continental assignment after being elevated to lead Indus Towers Africa as Chief Executive Officer following his tenure at Airtel Kenya.
Leadership transition at Airtel Kenya
The company expressed confidence in Djibril Tobe’s ability to steer Airtel Kenya into its next phase of growth as demand for mobile connectivity, digital services and mobile money solutions continues to expand across the country.
The leadership changes come at a time when competition in Kenya’s telecommunications industry continues to intensify, with operators racing to expand network coverage and strengthen digital service delivery.
Ashish moves to continental role
Malhotra’s exit marks the end of his leadership stint at Airtel Kenya, having previously taken over as Managing Director in 2022 when the company announced his appointment to succeed Prasanta Das Sarma, who had moved to become CEO of Airtel Africa’s Fiber Company.
At the time, Airtel Kenya said Malhotra brought vast regional experience after serving as Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Airtel Africa, where he oversaw operations in 14 African countries.
Airtel leadership changes continue
The latest transition signals Airtel’s continued strategy of reshuffling top leadership across its African operations as the company seeks to deepen growth and strengthen its presence in the continent’s fast-growing telecommunications market.
Industry observers will now be watching how Djibril Tobe shapes Airtel Kenya’s next phase amid rising competition and growing demand for affordable digital connectivity solutions.