Airport workers have called off their two-day strike, ending travel chaos that saw flight delays and cancellations since Monday.
The resolution came after talks involving the Ministry of Transport, Davis Chirchir, the Ministry of Labour, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), where it was agreed that the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) would address the workers’ concerns.
The deal, reached Tuesday afternoon, February 17, brings relief to travellers, some of whom faced uncertainty over their flights.
Earlier, airlines reported delays of up to four hours at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Airport Staff End Two-Day Strike, JKIA and Other Airports Resume Normal Operations. Photo: Courtesy.
Key points of the agreement include the immediate resumption of operations at JKIA and other airports, a review of KCAA staff representation, and implementation of previously agreed-upon grades that had not yet been actioned.
The Ministry of Labour will facilitate a conciliatory process to address remaining worker concerns, while KAWU has committed to ongoing roundtable discussions prioritizing passengers, aviation reliability, and national interests.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) welcomed the agreement, noting that the strike had paralysed operations and raised safety and security concerns, prompting the activation of contingency measures.
Operations are now returning to normal across all airports, with passengers advised to check with their airlines for updated flight schedules.
Transport CS Davis Chirchir emphasized the economic importance of aviation and the government’s commitment to maintaining stability in the sector.
The strike followed threats issued by KAWU a week earlier, citing stagnant salaries for over a decade, poor working conditions, and the prevalence of short-term or casual contracts without permanent, pensionable terms for long-serving staff.
KAWU also cited delayed union dues and changes to HR structures affecting job grades and benefits.
The strike caused flight cancellations, delays, and diversions at JKIA on Tuesday, leaving hundreds stranded, including Egyptian club Zamalek SC ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup match.
Airlines urged passengers to check flight status at JKIA, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Moi airports.
