The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has moved to reassure travellers and airlines that aviation operations in the country will continue uninterrupted, despite a planned strike by unionisable employees of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
In a statement issued on Saturday, KCAA emphasized that all statutory functions under the Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 394, remain fully operational. The agency reiterated its commitment to safety, security, and efficiency in aviation operations, regardless of the industrial action set to commence on Tuesday, September 30.
“The Authority remains fully committed to discharging its mandate in accordance with the law and regulations,” the statement read.
KCAA clarified that air navigation services including air traffic control, communication, navigation, surveillance, and aeronautical information are unaffected by the strike. This assurance means that the safety of aircraft overflying Kenyan airspace, as well as those arriving and departing from local airports, remains intact.
The Authority further reaffirmed its role in maintaining effective oversight and service delivery in line with the Civil Aviation Act and Specific Operating Regulations that domesticate the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices.
“These measures are designed to safeguard the safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation operations in Kenya,” the statement added, while also thanking aviation stakeholders for their cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Airports Authority staff union has cited unresolved grievances as the reason behind the strike. Among their concerns are job security, delayed confirmation of long-serving employees, and issues surrounding the management of Ground Flight Safety (GFS) operations.
While the workers press on with their demands, the KCAA’s reassurance provides relief to both travellers and airlines who feared disruptions in the country’s aviation sector. The statement underlines that air travel in Kenya will remain safe and stable during the industrial action.
