The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) has opposed reported plans by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to deploy National Youth Service (NYS) personnel in roles traditionally performed by permanent aviation workers.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli expressed support for the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), saying the proposed deployment raises concerns over employment security and labour standards in the aviation sector.

The workers’ umbrella body said it is particularly concerned about reports that NYS personnel could be assigned to airport security and screening functions while permanent positions remain vacant or are effectively being replaced.

Support for youth employment

COTU said it supports employment opportunities for graduates of the National Youth Service but maintained that recruitment should follow established employment procedures.

“On the contrary, we strongly support their integration into the labour market,” Atwoli said.

The union added that where additional personnel are required, NYS graduates should be recruited into permanent and pensionable positions based on the required qualifications.

It said deploying them under temporary or low-cost arrangements that deny job security, fair remuneration and full protection under Kenya’s labour laws is not acceptable.

According to COTU, workers undertaking permanent and continuous functions should be employed on permanent terms and conditions of service.

The organisation said replacing secure employment with temporary labour weakens labour standards and places existing jobs at risk.

Calls for dialogue

COTU called on KCAA to engage the Kenya Aviation Workers Union in discussions over any proposed staffing changes before implementation.

The union also urged public institutions to stop replacing permanent employees with insecure forms of labour as a cost-saving measure.

“COTU (K) stands firmly with KAWU and all aviation workers in defending decent work, employment security and the integrity of Kenya’s public service,” the statement said.

“The Government, and by extension all public institutions, must lead by example in protecting labour standards and not in promoting cheap labour at the expense of Kenyan workers.”

The statement was issued from COTU’s Solidarity Building headquarters in Nairobi and was signed by Atwoli.

It also listed Chairman General Joel Chebii and Treasurer General Albert Njeru Obed among the organisation’s national officials.

Aviation sector concerns

The statement comes as labour issues continue to dominate discussions in the aviation sector following KAWU’s seven-day strike notice issued earlier this month over unresolved labour disputes.

Among the issues raised by the aviation workers’ union is the planned deployment of additional NYS personnel to airport security and fire services, which it says threatens the jobs of trained aviation workers.

COTU said any measures affecting staffing in the aviation sector should safeguard both service delivery and workers’ rights.

The organisation maintained that creating employment opportunities for young people and protecting existing jobs should go hand in hand through lawful recruitment and meaningful engagement between employers, unions and government agencies.

The union said it remains committed to defending decent work, secure employment and adherence to labour laws across both the public and private sectors.