As the strike notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) takes effect today, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has assured passengers, airlines, and partners that major airports nationwide will continue to operate normally.
In the notice issued on Monday, September 29, KAA acknowledged receipt of the strike notice issued by KAWU on Tuesday, September 23, which would impact operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wilson Airport, Moi International Airport, and others.
While alleviating concerns of airport operation paralysis, KAA emphasized its focus on maintaining safety, security, and service excellence across all its facilities.
“The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) acknowledges the receipt of a strike notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025,” KAA stated.
“The Authority wishes to assure all passengers, airlines, and partners that our airports continue to operate as normal,” it added.
While issuing the strike notice, KAWU expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to address its concerns, such as not confirming which airport employees currently on contract will be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms.
According to KAWU, despite ongoing efforts to secure permanent employment status for these workers, over 500 employees remain on fixed-term contracts.
"We have relentlessly engaged and pleaded with Management to confirm these employees to permanent and pensionable terms, but to no avail," KAWU lamented.
In their notice, the union also accused the government of neglecting to issue substantive appointments following promotions.
The union argued that many employees, who had changed departments and been promoted to various positions, were supposed to receive official appointment letters for these roles, but none have been issued to date.
KAWU further expressed concerns over unpaid overtime at Wilson Airport, claiming that employees had not received wages for lawful extra hours worked over the past six months.
During the announcement of the industrial action, the union also protested against the planned transfer of the Ground Flight Safety (GFS) department's functions to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
KAWU pointed out that transferring GFS functions would lead to job losses for all current employees and deprive KAA of significant revenue, causing financial instability.
It remains to be seen how KAA will handle the developing situation as the strike begins today.
