Kenya aviation workers call off strike

KAWU, on Tuesday morning, signed a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport, committing to resume normal duties immediately after implementation of the agreement. 

This would see the resumption of full operations at Kenyan airports, which had been crippled since Sunday when workers downed their tools in protest against the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet Limited (Jambojet). 

On Tuesday, KAWU and the transport ministry reached an agreement that KAWU and KCAA shall begin negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

Therefore, KAWU and KCAA shall proceed with CBA negotiations immediately, and KCAA management would honor and implement the outcome of the CBA negotiations. Salary negotiations will be under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines issued on September 1, 2026.

KAWU also wants a recognition agreement with Jambojet, a matter that will await determination by the court. 

"In consideration of the foregoing agreements and commitments, KAWU calls off the industrial action and advises all its affected members to resume normal duties immediately upon execution of this Return-to-Work Agreement," reads a letter signed by KAWU, the ministry, KCAA, KAA and Jambojet. 

The strike that began on Sunday had paralysed operations at Kenyan airports including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport and the Kisumu International Airport. 

KAA on Monday informed passengers of delays in their scheduled travel. The national carrier, Kenya Airways, had also informed travellers of a 6-hour delay in flight schedules. 

On Monday evening, the government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, apologised to passengers affected by flight disruptions at JKIA. Foreign Affairs minister Musalia Mudavadi regretted its impact on passengers, airlines and businesses as operations at JKIA, the country's main gateway. 

Mudavadi said the government was engaging all parties involved, with talks ongoing to resolve the matter and restore normal operations "safely and in an orderly manner".

"We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to passengers whose journeys have been disrupted," a statement from the ministry read.