The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) have reached an agreement that averts a looming strike which threatened to paralyze airport operations across the country.
KAA confirmed that the strike notice issued by KAWU on September 23, 2025, has been officially withdrawn following intensive deliberations involving the union, KAA management, and key government ministries.
In a statement, KAA Acting Managing Director, Mohamud Gedi, said the resolution was achieved through constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts.
“This positive outcome is a result of constructive consultations and productive discussions between the Kenya Airports Authority, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, and the relevant Government Ministries,” Gedi stated.
Relief for Passengers and Airlines
The agreement comes as a major relief to passengers, airlines, and airport partners who had been bracing for disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other KAA-managed facilities starting Thursday.
The union had raised several concerns, including:
- The transfer of Ground Flight Safety operations from KAA to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
- Delayed confirmation of staff to permanent positions.
- Unresolved Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
KAA commended KAWU for its constructive engagement, noting that the agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting workers’ rights while safeguarding seamless airport operations.
Government’s Role in the Talks
The Authority also expressed gratitude to the KAA Board of Directors, chaired by Caleb Kositany, for providing leadership during the negotiations. It further thanked the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection for playing a facilitative role in the conciliation process.
Meanwhile, a court case KAA had filed to stop the strike remains pending. On Monday, the court directed both parties to engage in conciliation talks and file a report by Wednesday ahead of a Thursday hearing.
Both KAA and KAWU have pledged to maintain structured dialogue moving forward to prevent future disputes from escalating into industrial action.
