Kenya Aviation Workers Suspend Planned Strike After Signing Return-To-Work Deal
News Updated: 27 July 2026 20:57 EAT
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Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has suspended its planned nationwide industrial action after reaching a return-to-work agreement with aviation employers and the Ministries of Transport and Labour, averting a strike that had threatened to disrupt operations at the country's airports.
The agreement was reached following negotiations involving KAWU, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways and Jambojet. The parties committed to resolving outstanding labour disputes through structured dialogue instead of industrial action.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema confirmed that the union had withdrawn the seven-day strike notice issued earlier, allowing aviation workers to continue with their normal duties while negotiations proceed.
The union had threatened to down its tools over a number of unresolved issues, including delays in implementing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), concerns over terms and conditions of service, union recognition, promotions and broader human resource matters affecting employees in the aviation sector.
Under the return-to-work formula, all parties agreed to implement the commitments contained in the agreement within 30 days. The framework sets timelines for addressing the grievances raised by workers and requires continuous engagement between the union, employers and government officials.
As part of the agreement, Kenya Airways and its subsidiary Jambojet are expected to hold meetings with the union to address employment concerns, staff welfare and pending labour issues affecting their workforce.
The Kenya Airports Authority also committed to separate negotiations with the union to resolve disputes involving airport workers, including matters relating to employment conditions and staff representation.
At the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, discussions will focus on concluding the long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreement and addressing concerns surrounding human resource policies and employment practices.
The Ministry of Labour will oversee the implementation of the return-to-work formula, while the Ministry of Transport will coordinate engagements between the various aviation agencies to ensure the agreed timelines are met.
The agreement also provides that no employee or employer will be victimised as a result of the suspended strike notice, with both sides committing to maintain industrial harmony during the implementation period.
Additionally, the parties agreed to review and, where appropriate, withdraw some of the labour disputes pending before the Employment and Labour Relations Court to facilitate an amicable resolution of the outstanding issues.
The suspension of the industrial action comes as a major relief for passengers, airlines, cargo operators and businesses that rely on uninterrupted aviation services, especially during a period of high travel demand.
Industry stakeholders welcomed the agreement, noting that a nationwide aviation strike would have significantly disrupted domestic and international flights, cargo movement and airport operations across the country.
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FELIX MAKONA
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