Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia described the March 6, 2019 strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as illegal and criminal, stating participants would face disciplinary measures including termination. He emphasized the airport's status as a security installation, declaring that disruptions to its operations would result in legal consequences.
Macharia asserted that employees failing to meet operational standards would be replaced, noting the high demand for airport employment positions. He rejected claims that a proposed merger with Kenya Airways would lead to job losses, calling such assertions unfounded. "We had a serious discussion with COTU leaders about the takeover and assured them no layoffs would occur," he stated. "How can workers strike over a proposal that hasn't been implemented?"
Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) General Secretary Moses Ndiema was arrested in connection with the strike, according to reports.
