Nairobi, Sept. 2 -- Conflicting interests have delayed Kenya Airways' turnaround plans even as the national carrier's acting CEO George Kamal exited abruptly after eight months on the job.

Multiple insiders familiar with the airline's turnaround plans revealed behind-the-scenes intrigues that saw a strategic investment offer scuttled in January 2026 after interest groups demanded that the 'field be opened to more players'.

At least four firms had expressed interest in KQ, as the airline is popularly known, with proposals including cash injections or providing airplanes in exchange for a strategic equity stake in the airline.

"There was an investment offer around January that was about to be sealed, but some interest groups emerged and ...