The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has suspended its planned strike after reaching an agreement with the government and key aviation stakeholders. This move comes after intense negotiations aimed at resolving labour disputes that threatened to disrupt the aviation sector.

Key players involved in the talks included the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways (KQ), and Jambojet. The discussions focused on several contentious issues such as employment terms, dismissals, collective bargaining agreements, human resource policies, and the proposed deployment of National Youth Service (NYS) personnel in aviation roles.

Agreement Details and Timeline

  • The agreement was finalized on July 27, 2026, following mediation led by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika.
  • KAWU agreed to suspend the strike notice issued on July 20, 2026, with all parties committing to address outstanding concerns within 30 days.
  • Negotiations are scheduled as follows: KQ and Jambojet on July 28, KAA on July 29, and KCAA’s collective bargaining and human resource issues on July 30.
  • Both Kenya Airways and Jambojet will withdraw two court cases to facilitate dialogue, except for a Jambojet recognition dispute pending in the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

Protections and Assurances

The agreement includes provisions preventing victimisation of employees or employers related to the strike notice, ensuring participants can engage in talks without fear of disciplinary action.

KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed the strike suspension, assuring travellers and aviation stakeholders that operations will continue uninterrupted. However, he emphasized that the suspension does not mean the issues have been fully resolved but will now be handled through the agreed negotiation framework.

Concerns Over NYS Deployment

The strike notice raised alarms about KCAA’s plans to deploy NYS personnel into roles traditionally held by permanent aviation workers, while some vacancies remain unfilled. The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has backed KAWU’s stance, advocating for permanent employment terms for workers performing continuous duties and urging public institutions to avoid replacing permanent jobs with insecure contracts.

With the strike on hold, flights and airport services nationwide, including at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, will proceed as usual while negotiations continue.