KCAA assures air travellers as industrial dispute with KAWU eases

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)/FILE

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has assured the public that aviation operations across the country will continue without disruption, following recent industrial matters involving the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).

In a statement released on March 21, the Authority said the issues that prompted KAWU’s strike notice have been addressed constructively through engagements at the board and senior management levels, as well as through a Ministry of Labour-facilitated conciliation process.

“The process, facilitated by the Ministry of Labour-appointed conciliator, is still ongoing to reach a common understanding and to lay a firm foundation in industrial relations harmony between the parties,” KCAA said.

“KCAA therefore can now assure all stakeholders that there will NOT be disruptions to operations and all aviation services will continue as normal across the country.”

The statement, signed by KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to maintaining robust service delivery while upholding the highest standards of safety and security.

The notice follows KAWU’s strike warning over what the union described as KCAA’s failure to honour a February 17 return-to-work agreement signed before Transport Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir.

KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema said the agreement guaranteed unionisation for workers in grades four and five.

“The return-to-work formula is a foundational document upon which subsequent negotiations are based. KCAA does not seem ready to recognise the rule of law like any other corporate body in the country,” Ndiema said in a video seen by the Star.

He added that any travel disruptions arising from potential industrial action would not be the union’s responsibility.

The February 17 agreement had restored operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other aerodromes after prior disruptions. The deal followed an urgent meeting convened by CS Chirchir and Aviation Principal Secretary Terry Mbaika, which brought together officials from KCAA, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the State Department of Labour, and union leaders.

“All parties formally agreed to an immediate return to work,” KCAA stated at the time.

The agreement included a review of staff representation and job grading within the Authority. Employees in grades four and five, whose representation had not been fully implemented, were to be reassessed under the deal.

The Ministry of Labour was tasked with overseeing a structured conciliation process to address outstanding issues, guiding negotiations toward a lasting resolution. The arrangement emphasised ongoing dialogue through round-table discussions, prioritising passenger welfare, operational reliability, and the national economic interest.

KCAA’s latest statement underlined its commitment to harmonious industrial relations and sustainable service delivery. “The Authority remains committed to sustaining a harmonious relationship generally in the Aviation Industry in Kenya, internationally and with all related publics,” the statement read.

The Authority thanked stakeholders for their understanding and patience during the period of uncertainty, assuring the travelling public that Kenya’s aviation sector continues to operate safely and reliably.

KCAA is the statutory body mandated under the Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 394, to regulate and oversee aviation safety and security, provide air navigation services, conduct training of aviation personnel, and promote the development of civil aviation in line with international standards and ICAO regulations.