Kenyan aviation workers may go on strike next week, potentially disrupting operations at airports nationwide, after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a formal seven-day notice to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the union said in a letter dated February 9.
The notice, addressed to the KCAA management, stated that “all unionisable employees of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority shall go on strike after the expiry of seven days.” If implemented, the action could affect flight schedules, cargo handling, and passenger services, with the largest impact expected at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa’s key air transport hubs.
Union leaders cited long-standing grievances over wages, working conditions, and staffing shortages as reasons behind the threat of industrial action. Aviation workers have previously expressed frustration over delayed salary adjustments and perceived disparities in allowances, issues that they say have gone unresolved despite repeated negotiations with the civil aviation authority.
Kenya’s aviation sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with the government seeking to position Nairobi as a regional transport and logistics hub. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport alone handles over 10 million passengers annually, connecting East Africa to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Any disruption could have knock-on effects for trade, tourism, and regional business operations.
The Kenya Airports Authority, which manages airport operations, said it was aware of the union’s notice and was engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the impact of any potential strike. Airlines operating in Kenya, including Kenya Airways and several regional carriers, have been advised to monitor the situation closely and adjust flight schedules as necessary.
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Analysts warn that prolonged industrial action could affect Kenya’s broader economic outlook. Aviation contributes significantly to the national economy, not only through passenger traffic but also via air cargo, which supports imports and exports of perishable goods such as flowers, vegetables, and seafood—critical components of Kenya’s export revenues.
“This is a critical moment for Kenya’s aviation sector,” said one industry analyst. “Even a short disruption could affect thousands of travelers and cause delays in cargo shipments that are essential for the economy.”
The government has historically sought to prevent prolonged strikes in the aviation sector through negotiations and mediation, citing the importance of uninterrupted air transport for economic stability and international connectivity. Previous disputes in the sector were resolved after intervention by the Ministry of Transport and the National Industrial Court.
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KAWU has not yet confirmed whether it will hold a strike vote, but the seven-day notice indicates preparations are underway. Union officials have urged the KCAA to respond promptly to their demands to avoid escalation.
Passengers planning travel in the coming week are being advised to check with their airlines for schedule updates, while freight operators are preparing contingency plans to minimise disruption to supply chains.
The situation comes amid broader challenges facing African aviation, including rising operational costs, fluctuating fuel prices, and increasing competition from international carriers. In Kenya, the sector has nonetheless shown resilience, with steady growth in passenger numbers and cargo volumes over the past five years.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will remain on Nairobi, where any industrial action could ripple across East Africa’s transport networks, highlighting the delicate balance between labor rights and the critical role of aviation in regional trade and connectivity.
