Kenya's aviation sector faced severe disruption as workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) launched a strike on March 6, 2019, leading to flight cancellations, passenger delays, and economic losses exceeding Sh300 million daily for Kenya Airways.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) initiated the walkout over disputes including alleged unfair hiring practices, inadequate pay, and opposition to Kenya Airways' proposed management of airport operations. By 11 a.m., no flights had landed at JKIA, with RwandAir's scheduled arrival departing empty.
Travelers endured prolonged waits as the government deployed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to manage airport operations. Passengers expressed frustration, with one traveler stating, "We were heading to Mombasa to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Unfortunately, we have been stuck here since 6 a.m." Another commuter added, "I have been here since 4 a.m. This situation is inconveniencing."
Transport Secretary James Macharia condemned the strike as illegal, labeling workers "criminals" and threatening to terminate their employment. He accused them of undermining the economy by defying a court order. "We cannot allow a bunch of criminals to inconvenience hardworking Kenyans," he said.
Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz reported that operations had "progressively gone back to normalcy" by day’s end, though 93% of passengers had already departed or were scheduled to leave. The airline’s court filing highlighted daily revenue losses of Sh300 million due to the strike.
Protesters faced police intervention, with six Kawu members injured during clashes. Union secretary-general Moss Ndiema and other officials were arrested. Parliament suspended regular sessions to address the crisis, underscoring the strike’s broader economic and political implications.
