Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya’s aviation workers have called off their two-day strike after signing a return-to-work agreement with the government, Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet. Workers have been directed to resume normal duties immediately and help restore flight operations.
The strike, which began on Sunday, August 30, 2026 and continued through Monday, August 31, 2026 was largely driven by air traffic controllers and disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, with effects also reported at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kisumu International Airport and Eldoret International Airport. The disruption also spilled over into regional operations, with airlines serving Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia and Mauritius cancelling or rescheduling flights.
The workers’ grievances included the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with KCAA, delayed salary reviews, a dispute over union agency fees held by KAA and allegations of victimisation of KAWU members at Jambojet. Passengers at JKIA reported hours-long delays and cancellations, while Kenya Airways warned travellers of disruptions to its schedules.
Transport Minister Davis Chirchir said the agreement provides a framework to address three CBAs that have been suspended since 2015. “We have looked at various issues with very clear guidelines on how we are going to deal with the three CBAs,” Chirchir said.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed the strike was being withdrawn and called on employees to restore services. “We are simply calling off our strike action and pleading with our members to begin the process of normalising operations, restoring services,” Ndiema said. He also urged workers on duty to begin clearing flights.
Under the return-to-work agreement, KAWU and KCAA will resume CBA negotiations, while the KAA agency-fee issue and the union’s recognition dispute with Jambojet will continue through the agreed processes. The agreement also provides protection against victimisation of workers who took part in the industrial action.
The Kenyan government had earlier apologised to affected passengers as talks continued. With the strike now called off, airlines and airports are expected to work through the backlog and restore normal schedules.
