Kenya’s Airports Face Holiday Chaos Amid Looming Workers’ Strike

Nairobi, December 19, 2024– Kenya’s aviation sector faces a potential crisis as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a fresh strike notice, warning of possible industrial action during the busy holiday season.

In a statement released on December 18, KAWU accused the government and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) of discrimination and low wages, citing failed attempts to address issues previously agreed upon in a return-to-work formula signed four months ago.

KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema indicated that workers would meet on December 21 to deliberate on their next steps. “If we fail to reach an agreement, we will announce the start of the strike, which will be the mother of all strikes,” Ndiema stated.

The union expressed frustration with the government’s unwillingness to resolve long-standing grievances, including disparities in pay and unfulfilled promises made during the last industrial action. That strike, which paralyzed operations at major airports like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), ended with a mediated agreement involving Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.

The impending strike could severely disrupt Kenya’s aviation industry, which is anticipating peak travel volumes and revenue during the festive season. Travelers may face delays and cancellations similar to the chaos experienced during the last strike, which left thousands stranded.

KAWU’s demands also include transparency on a deal between the government and Adani Group Holdings concerning the management of JKIA, a contentious issue in their ongoing disputes.

As the union and the government remain at odds, the aviation sector braces for significant disruption just days before Christmas.