Operations at Kenya’s airports will continue uninterrupted after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) suspended its planned strike following the signing of a framework agreement with key players in the aviation sector.

The agreement was reached on July 27, 2026, between KAWU, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways (KQ) and Jambojet, paving the way for negotiations to address issues that had prompted the industrial action.

The parties also agreed to withdraw ongoing court cases involving Kenya Airways and Jambojet as part of efforts to create an environment for dialogue.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director-General Moses Ndiema confirmed that the strike notice issued on July 20, 2026, had been suspended.

“Indeed I confirm that our strike action through a strike notice issued on 20th of July stands suspended and so there is no anticipation for any disruptions whatsoever arising from the intended strike action,” Ndiema stated.

Parties commit to fresh negotiations

Under the agreement, the parties will hold a series of meetings at Transcom House to address the outstanding labour issues.

The Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development will be available whenever required during the discussions.

The agreement further provides that neither the employers nor employees will face victimisation arising from the strike notice, allowing both sides to engage in negotiations without disciplinary action linked to the industrial dispute.

The suspension means flights and airport services across the country, including operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other public airports, will continue as scheduled while talks proceed.

NYS deployment at centre of dispute

The strike notice had been issued amid concerns over reported plans by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to deploy National Youth Service (NYS) personnel into roles traditionally performed by aviation workers.

The proposal attracted opposition from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), which backed KAWU and called for structured engagement before any staffing changes are implemented.

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli said the labour movement supports the recruitment of NYS graduates but maintained that employment should follow established procedures.

“On the contrary, we strongly support their integration into the labour market,” Atwoli said, adding that workers performing permanent and continuous functions should be employed on permanent terms.

The workers’ umbrella body said permanent vacancies should be filled through competitive recruitment that guarantees job security, fair remuneration and protection under Kenya’s labour laws.

Flights continue as talks begin

COTU also urged public institutions to avoid replacing permanent employees with insecure forms of employment 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 declared. “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.”

Among the issues raised in KAWU’s seven-day strike notice was the planned deployment of NYS personnel while permanent positions remained vacant.

With the framework agreement now in force, attention shifts to the negotiations at Transcom House, where the parties are expected to discuss staffing, employment terms and other labour concerns as they work towards a lasting settlement.