Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has warned that the Kenya Airports Authority will replace striking aviation workers by Wednesday if they fail to return to duty, as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport remains paralyzed by a labor dispute.
The strike, initiated by employees affiliated with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, stems from allegations of mismanagement, racism, outsourcing, and poor labor practices. Workers claim the planned acquisition of airport operations by Kenya Airways constitutes a threat to their employment security, though officials describe the proposal as a preliminary paper exercise.
Macharia emphasized that the strike violates a court order declaring it illegal, with workers facing termination if they do not resume duties by close of business Wednesday. Over 25 Kenya Airways flights were canceled, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded, while contingency measures are being implemented to restore operations.
A conciliation committee chaired by Sharif Adbulkadir Sharif has been established to address grievances, with a 30-day deadline to submit findings. Labor Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani urged workers to comply with court directives, stating the ministry remains committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue.
The strike, which began in the early hours of Wednesday, has disrupted air transport nationwide, highlighting deepening tensions between aviation workers and management over operational reforms and employment conditions.
