The fresh seven-day strike notice from aviation workers to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) signals a possible major disruption to air traffic if their demands are not fully implemented.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has stated that its intended strike action will begin on Monday, 16th February.
Under this new development, the union issued a statement on Monday, February 9, where they claim that management at KCAA avoids negotiations and does not implement agreements reached since 2015.
This comes after the striking workers demanded the resumption of talks for the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), delayed receipt of union dues, and mistreatment of contract employees.
According to KAWU, even today, not all contract workers enjoy the benefits that their permanent colleagues do, even though they are doing the same work!
KAWU, meanwhile, is warning that the strike, if it proceeds, may affect the operations of all airports in the nation. The union explained, “The action will affect air traffic control, airport management, and technical services.”
This latest warning of a strike comes at a time when it has been only three weeks since KAWU also issued a warning following the failure to hold negotiations with the government and the KCAA regarding salary increments. The union has noted its members have not had their pay reviewed in more than a decade.
KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema says they have attempted to address the issue through all means but to no avail. “We have exhausted dialogue on this matter. Some of our members have gone over 11 years without any review in their pay,” Ndiema said.
Ndiema, during his address to a January 21st meeting of press officials, threatened drastic action if the issues presented are ignored: “We will close the airspace, ground everything and shut down all Kenyan airports. This is a warning.”
According to KAWU, unless drastic action is taken, there will be major disruptions in both domestic and international flights.
The last time aviation workers went on strike was in September 2025, when operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport were affected for almost two days before things were restored by the government.
With the new strike date fast approaching, travelers are preparing for the possibility of delays and cancellations if the stalemate is not resolved in time.
