KCAA assures normal operations as aviation workers issue strike notice

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has assured passengers, airlines, and industry stakeholders that aviation services will continue as normal despite a seven-day strike notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).

In a statement, KCAA Director General Emile Arao said the authority received and reviewed the union’s notice dated February 9 and has already initiated engagement through established labour relations mechanisms to resolve the dispute.

“The Authority assures airlines, passengers, industry partners, and the public that there is no disruption to aviation operations, and all services continue to be delivered as normal,” Arao said.

KCAA noted that its functions fall under essential services as defined by law and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining critical aviation safety and operational services in the interest of public safety, national security, and economic stability.

The regulator said dialogue remains the preferred avenue for resolving the issues raised, adding that consultations with the union are ongoing and may proceed to conciliation under the Labour Relations Act if necessary.

The assurance comes amid rising tensions between management and KAWU, which has threatened industrial action if long-standing grievances are not addressed.

In its strike notice, KAWU said the industrial action was a last resort after years of unresolved disputes, including the failure to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) since the last one lapsed in 2015.

The union claims that at least five CBA cycles remain outstanding, leaving unionisable employees’ salaries, allowances, and benefits unchanged for more than a decade despite rising living costs.

Further, KAWU claimed that some employees have been denied their constitutional right to union membership, contrary to court-sanctioned arrangements reached in 2024.

While the union said it does not intend to paralyse aviation services, it warned that the strike will proceed as scheduled unless the issues raised are resolved to the satisfaction of affected workers.

The looming standoff has raised concerns within the aviation sector, a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy that supports tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.

However, KCAA maintained that contingency measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted service delivery as negotiations continue.

The authority said further updates will be communicated through official channels.

KAWU wrote to KCAA on February 9, informing the authority of the planned strike and giving a seven-day notice for its demands to be addressed.