Court halts planned aviation workers’ strike
Court halts planned aviation workers’ strike
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) assured the public that air transport services across the country remain normal and safe following a court order suspending a planned industrial action by aviation workers.
In a statement issued Friday, KCAA said the Employment and Labour Relations Court of Kenya sitting at Milimani, Nairobi, on February 12, 2026, certified as urgent an application filed by the Authority in a dispute involving the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
As an interim measure, the Court directed that the strike notice dated February 9, 2026, should not be acted upon pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The Court further ordered that any strike action likely to interfere with KCAA’s statutory responsibilities should not proceed until the matter is heard and determined.
According to KCAA, the affected responsibilities include safeguarding aviation safety and security, economic regulation of air services and supporting the continued development of civil aviation in Kenya.
The Authority emphasized that these functions are critical to protecting the travelling public and maintaining confidence in Kenya’s aviation sector.
The case is scheduled for mention on February 26, 2026, when the Court is expected to give further directions.
KCAA acknowledged that the planned strike had raised concerns among passengers, airline partners, employees and the general public. However, it reassured stakeholders that aviation operations across the country remain uninterrupted.
“The Authority continues to discharge its mandate diligently to ensure the safety, security and efficiency of civil aviation in Kenya,” the statement said.
KCAA added that it remains committed to constructive engagement with the union through established lawful and consultative mechanisms, expressing confidence that sustainable solutions can be achieved within the constitutional and statutory framework governing labour relations.
Further updates will be issued as the matter progresses.
The statement was signed by KCAA Director General Emile Arao.