Kenya's aviation sector faces potential disruption as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) calls for immediate board and management changes at Kenya Airways (KQ) and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), warning of a strike over the proposed merger and alleged financial mismanagement.
Kawu, representing over 4,000 workers including cabin crew, air traffic controllers, and maintenance staff, condemned the planned integration of KQ and KAA, which would transfer operations of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the airline. The union described the move as "totally wrong and even criminal," warning it could cost the country billions in revenue and lead to mass layoffs.
The union's secretary-general, Moses Ndiema, accused KQ and KAA leadership of mismanagement, citing a Ksh1.3 billion ($13 million) payout to executives and consultants over 18 months. Kawu demands the removal of KAA CEO Johnny Andersen, KAA chairman Isaac Awuondo, KQ CEO Sebastian Mikosz, and board chairman Michael Joseph, threatening to strike from March 6, 2019, if demands are unmet.
The proposed strike would halt all aviation services, including flight operations, ground handling, and airport support. Ndiema urged travelers to seek alternative arrangements, stating the action aims to force accountability. KQ, partially owned by the Kenyan government and banks that converted Ksh23 billion in debt to equity in 2017, faces ongoing financial challenges despite a 2019 restructuring plan.
