The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a seven-day strike notice, warning of a possible nationwide aviation shutdown after salary negotiations with the government and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) collapsed.
The union accused KCAA of unfair labour practices, prolonged neglect of workers’ welfare, and failure to honour commitments reached through negotiations and mediation. If the standoff persists, KAWU says aviation services across the country could grind to a halt.
Union Says Workers Have Exhausted All Legal Options
Speaking to the press, KAWU Secretary-General Moses Ndiema said aviation workers had pursued dialogue for years without success.
Ndiema told reporters that even court-ordered mediation failed to resolve the dispute, leaving workers with no option but to issue a strike notice.
According to the union, some aviation employees have worked for more than 11 years without a single salary review, a situation Ndiema described as discriminatory and demoralising in a sector that demands high skill, vigilance, and safety standards.
Claims of Unfair Labour Practices
KAWU accused KCAA of systematically violating labour rights by:
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Failing to conduct regular salary reviews
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Delaying or blocking promotions
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Restricting full unionisation of eligible staff
The union said these actions contravene labour laws and undermine morale among aviation professionals responsible for air safety and operations.
“Aviation workers keep Kenya’s skies safe and its economy moving, yet they are treated as disposable,” Ndiema said, adding that the union would no longer accept delays or unfulfilled promises.
Threat of Nationwide Aviation Shutdown
KAWU warned that once the seven-day notice expires, industrial action will begin immediately unless the government intervenes.
The strike would affect all airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s busiest aviation hub.
JKIA handles an estimated 8.6 million passengers annually and serves as a key regional and international gateway. Any prolonged disruption would have far-reaching consequences, including:
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Grounding of domestic and international flights
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Cancellation of airline schedules
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Disruption of cargo and logistics operations
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Losses in tourism, trade, and regional connectivity
Union leaders said the threat of shutdown is not issued lightly, but warned that drastic action may be the only way to compel authorities to act.
Echoes of the 2025 Aviation Strike
The looming industrial action mirrors events of September 2025, when an aviation strike paralysed operations at JKIA and other airports for nearly two days.
That disruption forced government intervention, with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) later announcing a breakthrough following engagement with the Ministries of Transport and Labour.
Although workers returned to duty, KAWU now says key agreements were never fully implemented, allowing unresolved issues to resurface and escalate.
Silence From Authorities
As of publication, neither KCAA nor KAA had issued an official response to the strike notice. The silence has heightened concern among workers, airlines, and industry stakeholders.
KAWU maintains that the strike remains avoidable if the government urgently intervenes to compel salary reviews, promotions, and respect for union rights.
Countdown Begins
With the seven-day deadline now running, the dispute has become a critical test of the government’s commitment to labour relations in a strategic sector.
The union says the next week will determine whether Kenya’s skies remain open—or face widespread disruption.