I doubt this is an April Fool's prank. It is a serious matter.
I am OK with the issuance of additional shares under an ESOP but they have to be at the market price OR given only when certain benchmarks are made.
In essence the question is of COMPENSATION...
I prefer shares [300mn shares = KES 3bn] given as compensation over time than cash. KQ's management has hardly any shares but are paid in cash so do not care about the shareholders as much if at all except for GoK & KLM.
My gut tells me the shares will be issued over 5 years thus there is a dilution factor but if the employees can generate KES 600mn+ over & above the current profits, then it is OK.
Also, the cash that would go to pay employees will be reduced & go into KK's capital as shareholders' funds...
Greedy when others are fearful. Very fearful when others are greedy - to paraphrase Warren Buffett