The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has assured that, despite the planned strike by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) employees, airport services across the country will not be disrupted.
In a statement on Saturday, September 27, KCAA Director General Emile Arao assured that aviation services, including air traffic control, communication, navigation, surveillance, and aeronautical services, will remain operational.
KCAA emphasised that all aircraft operating within the country's airspace remain safe, in line with international aviation standards (ICAO) and Kenyan regulations.
"All statutory functions and responsibilities of KCAA, as provided for under the Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 394, and the attendant regulations, continue to be performed without interruption. The Authority remains fully committed to discharging its mandate in accordance with the law and regulations," the Authority stated.
“The Authority appreciates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders and assures the public of a safe, secure, and sustainable civil aviation system,” it added.
The Authority asserted that ensuring a seamless air traffic flow in the country will be fundamental in guaranteeing the safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation operations in the country.
This comes after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) declared that they would begin striking on Tuesday, September 30, in response to the government's failure to address their concerns.
In a statement on Monday, September 22, KAWU cited several grievances, including the government's failure to confirm the airport employees who are currently on contract to permanent and pensionable terms.
Despite calls for the confirmation of employees to a permanent basis, there were still over 500 employees who were serving on fixed-term contracts.
Additionally, the union accused the government of its failure to issue substantive appointments to promoted employees.
KAWU also expressed concern with the failure to pay overtime to Wilson Airport staff, claiming that for over 6 months, employees working at the airport had not been paid their overtime for work lawfully done.
The workers also raised concerns over the non-payment of overtime for Wilson Airport staff, stating that employees have gone more than six months without receiving compensation for extra hours.
"We have relentlessly engaged and pleaded with management to confirm these employees to permanent and pensionable terms, but to no avail," the union stated.
"Our pleas to Management to pay them have fallen on deaf ears, and there has been no formal explanation from Management as to why they are denying the employees the fruits of their hard-earned sweat," it added.
