Aviation workers demand reforms as strike looms
By Faith Lagat, July 24, 2026Kenya’s aviation sector is facing the prospect of industrial action after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a seven-day strike notice affecting unionisable employees at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Airways and Jambojet.
The notice, announced by KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema on July 17, took effect on July 20, 2026. The union says workers will down their tools if the four employers do not address a series of labour grievances within the notice period.
The planned action follows concerns over delayed collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), job security, disciplinary processes and employee welfare.
“If we don’t come out between now and Friday or Saturday, if you don’t hear calling of the strike, then make sure you have alternative plans of travel,” Ndiema said.
Union grievances
KAWU said workers have waited for years for the resolution of several labour issues.
The union cited delays in concluding collective bargaining agreements, the continued use of temporary contracts despite plans to absorb staff into permanent employment and the introduction of workplace policies without consulting the union.
It is also seeking the reinstatement of employees it says were wrongfully dismissed and wants disciplinary processes reviewed.
Ndiema singled out Jambojet, saying the airline had dismissed dozens of employees within a short period.
“For an organisation like Jambojet, with a total employee population of 400 or 450 employees, firing up to 45 of them in a single calendar year, I mean, is something to get our attention. Something must be wrong. I mean, are they recruiting the wrong people? If that is the case, then who is to blame?” he said.
The union also raised concerns over unpaid crew allowances and payments for technical staff.
“We have issues around crew allowance. Some of which is about not being paid. We have issues around what we call TA system for our technical staff. Those are the engineers. They are not getting their rightful dues,” Ndiema said.
Concerns over jobs
Job security remains one of the central issues in the dispute.
According to KAWU, outsourcing of services and the planned deployment of additional National Youth Service personnel to airports could affect positions currently held by trained aviation workers.
“The intention to deploy 720 more NYS officers cutting across all airports, all airstrips, any aerodrome facility is a misnomer. Because it directly threatens the jobs of our members,” Ndiema said.
The union also pointed to changes in passenger screening operations at Wilson Airport, saying they could reduce the role of existing airport staff.
KAWU maintained that the concerns extend beyond individual employers and affect the future of employment across the aviation sector.
Talks expected before deadline
The latest strike notice comes months after industrial action at KCAA disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before a return-to-work agreement was reached.
The current notice is broader, covering KCAA, KAA, Kenya Airways and Jambojet.
If no agreement is reached before the expiry of the notice, the strike could affect airport operations and airline services across the country.
KAWU said it remains open to dialogue but expects employers to address the issues raised within the notice period.
The union maintained that its objective is to protect workers’ rights while supporting a stable and efficient aviation sector.
Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days as both sides seek to avert a strike that could disrupt travel and airport operations.