The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a seven-day strike notice set to take effect on Monday, July 20, 2026, threatening to disrupt operations across Kenya’s aviation sector.
Addressing the media on July 17, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the planned industrial action will affect workers at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Airways (KQ) and Jambojet.
“Today, on July 17, KAWU has issued a seven-day strike notice, and it will be effective. From today, we have started a countdown. We have issued the same strike repeatedly; KCAA must sign the collective bargaining agreement before we resume work,” Ndiema said.
KAWU Threatens Nationwide Aviation Strike From July 20
The union said the planned industrial action stems from what it describes as repeated violations of collective bargaining agreements by the four organizations.
It also accused Kenya Airways of using disciplinary processes to target employees and alleged that union members at Jambojet have been subjected to victimization because of their affiliation with the union.
KAWU added it had issued a single strike notice covering all four organizations and is demanding that all outstanding labour disputes be resolved within the seven-day notice period.
It warned that failure to address the grievances before the deadline could trigger a nationwide strike, potentially disrupting operations across Kenya’s aviation sector.
Also Read: Aviation Workers Serve 7-Day Strike Notice to KCAA
Signing of Collective Bargaining
On February 17, the Ministry of Roads and Transport announced it had reached an agreement with airport workers, ending a strike that had paralyzed operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports across the country.
According to the Ministry, the agreement included the following resolutions:
- Airport operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other facilities would resume immediately.
- Staff representation at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) would be reviewed, including consideration of previously proposed and agreed job grades that had not been implemented.
Also Read: Airport Operations to Resume as KAWU Calls Off Strike
- The Ministry of Labour would facilitate a conciliation process to address the issues raised by the union, while KAWU committed to participating in round-table discussions aimed at resolving workers’ grievances.
- The parties agreed to maintain continuous dialogue the safeguard passengers, ensure reliable aviation services, and protect national interests.
KAWU Secretary General welcomed the government’s decision to engage the union, saying the discussions demonstrated goodwill and a genuine commitment to addressing workers’ concerns.
“We appreciate the government’s goodwill in engaging the union promptly and demonstrating genuine interest in our workers. We acknowledge the involvement of the Ministries of Roads and Transport and Labour, as well as the leadership of KCAA and KAA,” Ndiema said.
He announced that the union had called off the strike after reaching an agreement with the government.
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