Kenya Aviation Workers Call Off Strike

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has called off its ongoing strike following an agreement reached with the government and key aviation sector stakeholders.

The return-to-work agreement was signed after a meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir and attended by representatives of KAWU, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Jambojet Limited and the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K).

Under the agreement, KAWU has called off the industrial action and directed all affected employees to resume their normal duties immediately.

“The employees shall resume their respective duties and cooperate with management to ensure the immediate restoration and continuity of normal operations,” the agreement states.

The agreement was reached on August 31, 2026, after the strike disrupted operations at Nairobi airports, resulting in delays and cancellations of flights and inconveniencing thousands of travellers.

The union agreed to call off the strike in consideration of commitments made by the government and aviation sector employers.

The agreement provides that employees who participated in the industrial action will not be victimised, intimidated or discriminated against because of their involvement in the strike.

The parties also agreed to maintain industrial peace and resolve outstanding issues through consultation, negotiation and established dispute-resolution mechanisms.

One of the agreements reached concerns agency fees owed to KAWU and currently held by the Kenya Airports Authority.

The agreement states that the fees shall be remitted to the union with immediate effect.

The parties also agreed to resume negotiations on a Collective Bargaining Agreement between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had withdrawn its initial guidance issued in July 2026 and subsequently issued new parameters to guide negotiations.

KAWU and KCAA will therefore proceed with the CBA negotiations, with KCAA management undertaking to honour and implement the outcome of the talks.

The return-to-work agreement also addressed the recognition dispute between KAWU and Jambojet.

The parties acknowledged that the matter is currently before the court and agreed to await its determination.

Both sides committed to respecting and abiding by the court’s decision and taking the necessary action in accordance with its directives.

Jambojet also committed to complying with all applicable legal and procedural requirements relating to trade union recognition.

The government further undertook to address issues concerning the top management of the Kenya Airports Authority.

Union grievances contained in the strike notice dated July 20, 2026, will also be arbitrated under the leadership of the Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development within three weeks from the execution of the agreement.

The agreement took effect immediately upon signing.

It was signed by COTU-K Secretary-General Dr Francis Atwoli, KAA Company Secretary Fridah Mbugua, KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema, Acting KCAA Director-General Nicholas Bodo and Jambojet CEO/Managing Director Karanja Ndegwa.

The agreement was witnessed by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua, with both signing the document on September 1, 2026.

Meanwhile, the government yesterday apologised for the disruption of operations at JKIA, which has left passengers facing delays and disrupted Kenya’s international air connectivity.

Mudavadi said the government recognises the seriousness of the situation and its impact on passengers, airlines, businesses and the country’s international connections.

Mudavadi said the government is engaging all parties involved, with discussions underway to resolve the issues that have disrupted airport operations.

“Our immediate priority is to facilitate the safe and orderly restoration of normal airport operations while working towards a sustainable resolution of the matters under discussion,” he said.

He expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to travellers whose journeys have been disrupted and urged affected passengers to remain patient while maintaining contact with their respective airlines for updates on flights and alternative travel arrangements.

He said JKIA remains a critical national gateway and an important hub for Kenya’s trade, tourism, investment, diplomacy and regional connectivity.

“The Government is therefore treating the situation with the urgency and seriousness it requires,” Mudavadi said.

He assured the public, aviation industry and Kenya’s international partners that the government remains fully engaged in resolving the matter and will continue consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

The strike started Sunday morning.

Many airlines reported up to six-hour delays and cancelation of flights during the strike.