The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has appointed Emile Nguza Arao as the new Director-General effective April 22, 2022.

Arao is set to replace the current Director General Captain Gilbert Kibe, whose term in office lapses later in April after two successive stints.

Arao is the current Executive Director at the East African Community’s —Civil Aviation Safety & Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA).

“Emile is a highly talented and accomplished Aviation Professional holding his Bachelor of Science Degree in Aircraft Engineering Technology, his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in Aviation with a specialization in Aviation Systems Management both obtained from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (U.S.A),” said the board in a statement

He is credited with steering EAC-CASSOA to become the number two Regional Safety Oversight Organization (RSOO) globally as ranked by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Kibe has been the KCAA Director-General since June 2015 and previously served as its Director between 2003 and 2009.

He (Kibe) is currently the Chairman of Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Aviation Safety Group for Africa & Indian Ocean Islands.

Kibe took over from Col. Hilary Kioko in April 2015.

KCAA is mandated to regulate and oversight of the aviation industry and training of aviation personnel.