What KCAA, workers agreed in deal that ended JKIA strike

Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other aerodromes have resumed after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the government agreed on a return-to-work formula outlining measures to address workers’ concerns.

The agreement followed an urgent conciliatory meeting convened by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir and Aviation Principal Secretary Terry Mbiaka.

The meeting brought together officials from KCAA, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the State Department of Labour and union leaders.

Under the deal, all parties agreed to an immediate return to duty, restoring normal operations at JKIA and other facilities that had experienced disruptions during the industrial action.

“All parties formally agreed to an immediate return to work,” KCAA said in a statement.

A key component of the agreement is the review of staff representation and job grading within KCAA.

The parties resolved that the level of representation of affected employees will be reassessed to consider grades that had previously been proposed and agreed upon but were not implemented.

The Ministry of Labour will spearhead a structured conciliatory process to address outstanding issues raised by workers and guide negotiations toward an amicable and lasting solution.

Chirchir emphasised the strategic importance of aviation to the country’s economy and the need to maintain stability in the sector.

“Aviation contributes immensely to the economy of the country, and we are committed to ensuring that the sector remains stable,” he said.

The return-to-work formula commits the union, KCAA and other stakeholders to ongoing dialogue through a round-table process aimed at resolving employee concerns while prioritising passenger welfare, operational reliability and national economic interests.

KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union was satisfied with the outcome of the discussions and the government’s willingness to engage.

“We appreciate the government’s goodwill in engaging the union promptly and demonstrating genuine interest in our workers,” Ndiema said.

“We are happy about the successful engagements, and in effect, the union calls off the strike based on the terms agreed in the return-to-work formula. We are satisfied with the way forward that will involve the Ministry of Labour.”

He added that the talks reaffirmed a shared commitment among the parties to the fair resolution of labour issues and stability in the aviation sector.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport apologised to travellers, airlines and stakeholders affected by the disruption, noting that JKIA had experienced slowed flight movements during the industrial action.

Authorities said the swift agreement was intended to restore confidence in Kenya’s aviation system and protect a sector that plays a central role in tourism, trade, cargo movement and employment.

With operations normalised, the focus shifts to the conciliatory process, where KCAA management, workers and the government are expected to address structural concerns and strengthen labour relations to prevent future disruptions.

The industrial action was called by KAWU, which cited a list of grievances.

KAWU also raised concerns over what it termed as the prolonged use of contract and temporary employment for positions that are permanent in nature.

“Workers are engaged on contracts for years, terminated and later re-engaged on inferior terms compared to their colleagues on permanent terms,” the union claimed.

“This denies employees the right to decent work and equal pay for work of equal value.”

Other issues cited include the development and implementation of new human resource instruments without union consultation, job downgrading that has resulted in pay cuts, and what the union described as anti-union practices by management.

The strike drew concern from industry players who warned that prolonged disruption could damage Kenya’s reputation as a regional aviation hub.

JKIA serves as a key transit point for passengers and cargo across East and Central Africa, handling thousands of travellers daily.

Tour operators and logistics firms said the uncertainty was affecting bookings and supply chains.

“Every hour of disruption affects businesses, especially cargo operations,” said a logistics agent at the airport.

“Perishable goods, medical supplies and exports depend on reliable air transport.”