Speaker Bio

The Director General is the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority responsible for the management and administrative activities of the Authority Before his current appointment, he served as the Executive Director of the East African Community, Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC – CASSOA) from October 2018 to April 2022, the Acting Executive Director of EAC – CASSOA from June 2017 to September 2018 and prior to that the Deputy Executive Director – Technical also of EAC – CASSOA from October 2016 to May 2017.
Mr. Arao is a holder of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aircraft Engineering Technology and Master’s Degree in Business Administration in Aviation, with a specialization in Aviation Systems Management; both obtained from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
He is also a holder of a Kenyan and USA Multi-Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating and is also a certified ICAO Government Safety Inspector in Aircraft Operations and Airworthiness. He has also worked as an Airframe and Power plant (A&P) mechanic in Watsonville, CA.
He is the current Vice President (East) African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and Board Member of EAC CASSOA.
Mr. Arao is a passionate aviation specialist with over 20 years of aviation experience in different operational areas. Emile has worked in several capacities in the aviation management and aerospace industry.
Mr Arao is an entrepreneur at heart, having started numerous business interests as well as being a highly talented and accomplished aviation professional.
Mr. Arao is married with two children.