Kenyan aviation workers call off strike after reaching deal

Nairobi – Kenyan aviation workers ended their day-long strike on Wednesday after reaching a return-to-work agreement with relevant authorities.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Airways, and government officials signed the agreement, allowing normal flight operations to resume nationwide.

The strike paralyzed operations at the country’s four main airports, causing widespread travel disruptions. KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema said that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), one of Africa’s busiest hubs, and other airports would return to normal.

Ndiema said they have received the most pertinent documents as requested by the union. “We undertake to go through them within 10 working days and flag out areas of our concern which shall immediately be pointed out with a view to jointly engaging in discussions with the government, Kenya Airways, and KAA,” the parties said in the agreement. They agreed to reconvene after the review to determine the next steps.

Ndiema called on the government not to penalize workers who participated in the strike, which affected Nairobi’s JKIA, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kisumu International Airport, and Eldoret International Airport.

The strike, which began late Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, was triggered by opposition to a reported proposed 30-year leasing of JKIA to the Adani Group in exchange for an investment of 1.85 billion U.S. dollars. It was the result of a formal strike issued by KAWU on Aug. 12.

Aviation workers, alongside human rights organizations and professional groups, have criticized the deal, arguing it jeopardizes jobs and does not benefit Kenyans.

KAWU, which organized the strike, said the “unlawful intended sale of JKIA” to the Indian company does not meet legal requirements for public participation and does not involve union members who are key stakeholders in the process.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said in a statement issued in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, that aircraft operations are being handled without delays, noting that efforts are underway to swiftly address any backlog.

“Despite the disruption, we wish to assure the public that Air Navigation Services, including Air Traffic Control operations, are fully operational and remain unaffected,” the KCAA said.

The KCAA said they are committed to ensuring the safe and efficient management of Kenya’s airspace during this period.