The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) grappled with operational paralysis following a two-day strike at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which left thousands of travelers stranded and disrupted scheduled flights. The walkout, organized by over 600 employees, centered on opposition to Kenya Airways’ (KQ) proposal to manage the airport under a 30-year concession agreement.
Workers, represented by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu), expressed fears that the takeover could lead to job losses and deteriorating working conditions. They criticized KAA’s handling of the proposal, particularly its decision to appoint Njoroge Nani Mungai as a lead adviser at a cost of Ksh150 million ($1.5 million), with Ksh15 million already paid. The union argued that political appointees in the National Treasury and Cabinet would not prioritize public interest in the decision.
KQ’s 2018 proposal outlined a $28 million annual concession fee in 2019, rising to $35 million by 2028. It included plans to transfer JKIA staff to a special purpose vehicle (SPV), the Kenya Aviation Holding Company (KAHC), for 12 months. Employees would then face potential reassignment or redundancy, with some required to accept reduced benefits. The union rejected these terms, calling the entire proposal "unacceptable."
The strike, which halted airport operations, led to flight cancellations and delays. Kenya Air Force assistance was deployed to restore normalcy. KAA and the government labeled the walkout illegal, with Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia condemning it as "economic sabotage." Meanwhile, KQ estimated losses of Ksh300 million ($3 million) due to the disruption.
A government-appointed conciliatory team was tasked with resolving the dispute within 30 days. The European Union’s aviation regulations also require airlines to compensate passengers up to $600 per person for cancellations exceeding 12 hours.
