More than 500 jobs could be on the line as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) raises alarm over changes at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), including the controversial transfer of key operations to another government agency and a freeze on worker confirmations.
In a letter dated September 22, 2025, and addressed to all unionisable KAA employees, KAWU warns of potential job losses, financial instability, and a looming industrial action if management fails to address the unresolved labour issues.
The dispute is the intended transfer of the Ground Flight Safety (GFS) department from KAA to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
This move, the union says, could result not only in the loss of jobs for all employees currently working there but also in starving KAA of huge amounts of revenue.
“For the last six (6) months, unionisable employees working at Wilson Airport have not been paid their overtime for work lawfully done with Management’s authorization,” the letter read
Transfer of GFS from KAA
Secretary General Moss Ndema noted that KAA management has not consulted or informed the union about the transition.
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The letter further stated that the transfer process is ongoing and gaining momentum.
“Despite this matter being of grave concern to the Union, the Management has neither consulted us nor shared with us any information regarding the matter,” part of the letter read.
“Our attempts to engage the Management through the Managing Director & CFO has not borne any fruit, yet the transfer process is on-going and gaining momentum towards full surrender of the GFS to KCAA.”
The union also accused the management of failing to confirm over 500 contract employees to permanent and pensionable terms despite repeated pleas, arguing that these workers have been performing their roles effectively for years.
“We have relentlessly engaged and pleaded with Management to confirm these employees to permanent and pensionable terms but to no avail.”
Other Grievances Raised
The union stated several other grievances:
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- Failure to substantively appoint promoted employees to their new roles.
- Non-payment of overtime to unionisable staff at Wilson Airport for over six months.
- The dismantling of the Human Resources Department, which the union describes as “crippling” and “paralyzing” the resolution of critical labour issues, including three pending Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
“The Union has decided to call for a lawful industrial action… to compel Management and the Board to address and resolve the above issues immediately,” the letter states, adding that a formal strike notice will be issued soon.
KAWU urged all its members to prepare for a massive mobilization effort to ensure the success of the planned strike.
“We request all members to mobilize massively to make the strike effective and successful. We urge you to stand firm in solidarity to defend and protect your jobs and your rights.”
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