The Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU) has officially suspended its industrial action following a successful agreement with the government, paving the way for employees to return to their posts.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 1, the union directed all aviation staff to resume their normal duties immediately.
This decision came after the union signed a formal return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema with Labour CS Alfred Mutua. Photo: Courtesy.
Under the terms of the deal, employees are expected to cooperate fully with management to facilitate the swift restoration of regular flight schedules and airport services.
The strike, which commenced on Sunday morning, caused significant disruption across the country’s main air travel hubs.
Hundreds of passengers found themselves stranded as operations ground to a halt at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport, and the Kisumu International Airport.
The industrial action led to multiple flight delays and cancellations before the agreement was reached.
As part of the return-to-work formula, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has been directed to immediately release agency fees that were being held for the union.
The resolution also addressed ongoing salary negotiations, with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) withdrawing its earlier guidance from July 28, 2026, and issuing new parameters to govern future discussions.
Looking ahead, the union has confirmed that it will proceed with Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) without further delay.
While the union has expressed reservations about the new SRC guidelines issued on September 1, it has agreed to address these concerns during the formal CBA talks.
The KCAA management has reportedly committed to honoring and implementing the final outcomes of these negotiations in good faith.
