- KAWU has called off its airport strike after reaching a deal with the government.
- Workers will resume duties as negotiations on pay and a CBA begin.
- The strike had disrupted operations at major Kenyan airports.
Aviation workers under the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU) called off their strike on Tuesday after reaching a return-to-work agreement with the government.
KAWU signed the agreement with the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday morning, committing its members to resume normal duties as soon as the deal takes effect.
The move paves the way for full operations to resume at Kenyan airports, which had been disrupted since Sunday when workers downed tools in protest against the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet Limited.
Under the agreement, KAWU and KCAA will begin negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with KCAA management committing to honour and implement whatever the negotiations produce. Salary talks will be guided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines issued on September 1, 2026.
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KAWU is also pushing for a recognition agreement with Jambojet, though that matter now awaits a court determination.
The letter signed by KAWU, the ministry, KCAA, KAA and Jambojet confirms the union has called off the industrial action and instructed its members to resume duties as soon as the agreement is formally executed.
Days of disruption at major airports
The strike, which began on Sunday, had paralysed operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport and Kisumu International Airport.
KAA had asked passengers on Monday to liaise directly with their airlines over travel delays, while national carrier Kenya Airways flagged a six-hour disruption to its flight schedules, according to Citizen Digital.
Government apologises to affected passengers
On Monday evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apologised on behalf of the government for the disruption at JKIA. Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said its impact had been felt by passengers, airlines and businesses relying on the country’s main gateway.
Mudavadi said talks were under way with all parties to resolve the standoff and restore operations in a safe, orderly manner. The ministry added that it regretted the disruption to passengers’ travel plans.
By Benedict Aoya
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