Relief swept across Kenya’s airports after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) called off its strike following a return-to-work deal with aviation employers.
The industrial action, which had grounded operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports on August 30, left thousands of travelers stranded, with flights delayed and cancelled.
The deal was signed on August 31, 2026, after a marathon meeting chaired by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. Present were representatives from KAWU, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), JamboJet, and COTU-K.
Under the agreement, KAWU directed all its members to resume duty immediately and cooperate with management to restore normal operations.In return, the employers committed to no victimization of workers who took part in the strike.
Key wins for the union include the immediate remittance of agency fees held by KAA, resumption of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with KCAA under new parameters from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and fresh talks on employment terms and human resource policies.
KCAA Director-General and KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed the strike stands suspended, assuring passengers of uninterrupted flights as dialogue continues.
