Kenya Aviation Strike Disrupts JKIA Operations as Workers Demand Welfare Improvements
An ongoing strike by aviation workers has disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), prompting the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to issue a public advisory urging passengers to confirm their flight status directly with airlines before travelling to the airport. The industrial action, which began on Sunday, 30 August, involves workers from KAA, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and low-cost carrier Jambojet, causing flight delays and cancellations across check-in, immigration and boarding operations. Kenya Airways, which uses JKIA as its primary hub, separately advised passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice, citing air traffic control challenges.
Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary General Moses Ndiema confirmed that members would not return to work until their grievances were addressed, citing demands for improved welfare, better working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits. Ndiema said a breakdown in negotiations - with three of the four employers refusing to engage - triggered the renewed strike notice issued on Friday. KAA said contingency measures were in place to manage backlogs and restore normal operations, and called for dialogue between all parties, warning that a prolonged stand-off risked wider consequences for travellers, airlines and the broader aviation sector. The disruption has also affected regional connections and international passengers transiting through the airport.
Source: Tuko
