Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) resumed operations in March 2019 after a strike disrupted air travel, forcing the cancellation or rescheduling of more than 100 flights. The standoff ended when Kenya Air Force personnel assisted in managing air traffic, allowing the first flight to depart nearly eight hours late for London.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia warned striking workers they risked losing their jobs for violating court orders and participating in an unauthorized strike, which he linked to threats against aviation security. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) initiated the walkout to demand improved working conditions and oppose the planned merger between Kenya Airways and JKIA.
A conciliation committee led by Sharif Adbulkadir Sharif was established to address worker grievances, with a 30-day deadline to submit recommendations. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) urged swift resolution to minimize economic disruption, while security forces intervened to disperse union members. Labour Relations CS Ukur Yattani called on workers to return to duty as mandated by court rulings.
