Karanja Ndegwa | MD & CEO
Jambojet Ltd

Karanja Ndegwa, MD & CEO, Jambojet Ltd

Karanja Ndegwa is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, 15 of which have been in senior leadership roles. A graduate of Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi and a Certified Public Accountant, he combines financial acumen with strategic expertise to drive organizational success.

Mr. Ndegwa began his career at Kenya Airways, and joined Jambojet in 2014 as Head of Finance, playing a key role in establishing the airline’s financial framework during its inception. In 2016, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer, where he oversaw the airline’s financial strategy and operational efficiency.

In April 2020, Mr. Ndegwa was named Acting Managing Director, a role in which he led the airline through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His exceptional leadership during this period earned him a permanent appointment as Managing Director & CEO in August 2021.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Ndegwa has been instrumental in Jambojet's growth and transformation. He has championed strategic initiatives that include route expansion, operational efficiencies, and enhancing the airline’s digital capabilities. His leadership has also been pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity, positioning Jambojet as a leading low-cost carrier in the region.

Mr. Ndegwa’s key strengths include financial planning, commercial strategy, capacity building, strategic management, and revenue optimization. His contributions to the aviation industry underscore his commitment to driving growth and ensuring organizational resilience in a dynamic global environment.
 

Appearances:



World Aviation Festival Day 3 @ 12:15

LCC CEO Panel: The evolution of low-cost carriers

  • How are LCCs unlocking new customer segments and giving more options to leisure travelers?
  • Addressing legacy technology challenges—how are LCCs overcoming issues that have long affected full-service airlines?
  • Leveraging AI for demand forecasting, aircraft availability predictions, and operational cost reductions
  • Navigating country-specific bans on ancillary items—what impact have they had, and how can LCCs mitigate future restrictions?
  • Striking a balance between sustainability goals and evolving customer experience expectations.
  • How will the LCCs maintain dominance in the direct channel as intermediaries become smarter and more advanced?  
last published: 29/Apr/25 13:35 GMT

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