Air travel in Kenya faces a major test today after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) officially commenced industrial action. The strike notice, issued last week, covers Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wilson Airport, Moi International Airport, and other key facilities.
While the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has assured travelers and airlines that operations remain normal, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Delays, confusion, and mounting anxiety among passengers reveal the serious cracks in airport operations brought about by unresolved labor disputes.
KCAA Workers Begin Strike; JKIA and Wilson Airport Operations Most Hit
The industrial action has disrupted services at JKIA and Wilson Airport, two of the busiest aviation hubs in Kenya. At JKIA, long queues have formed at check-in counters and security points, with some passengers complaining of missing connecting flights.
Airlines have been forced to reschedule flights or delay departures, citing lack of ground staff to handle baggage, boarding, and safety checks. At Wilson Airport, which serves hundreds of domestic and regional flights daily, the impact has been equally severe. Passengers report confusion at boarding gates, missing ground support, and sluggish service.
According to aviation insiders, unpaid overtime and staff shortages have worsened the strike’s effects, making the airport less efficient than usual. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and KAA may have assured the public that airports are “operating normally,” but the disruption suggests otherwise. What is happening at the airports is a direct reflection of government failure to address longstanding grievances.
Union Demands Left Unanswered
KAWU has accused authorities of deliberately dragging their feet in addressing critical employment issues. The union says more than 500 workers remain stuck on fixed-term contracts despite repeated promises of permanent and pensionable employment.
Union officials argue that the insecurity created by temporary contracts has eroded staff morale and efficiency. Employees who have earned promotions have yet to receive formal appointment letters, leaving them in limbo. This not only affects their pay but also undermines career progression, fueling bitterness among staff.
KAWU insists that workers cannot continue to carry out essential safety and operational duties without fair treatment. By ignoring these grievances, the government has set the stage for today’s strike.
Unpaid Overtime and Wage Disputes
At Wilson Airport, workers have gone for months without receiving pay for overtime hours. Ground staff, who often work long shifts to handle Nairobi’s heavy traffic of domestic and chartered flights, claim they have not been compensated for six months.
This wage dispute has left many employees struggling to make ends meet. Union leaders say the government has not only failed to pay what is owed but has also ignored repeated pleas to resolve the matter. Such neglect has pushed workers to a breaking point.
The strike is not only about unpaid dues but about the broader disrespect shown to staff who keep the aviation industry running. Passengers depend on these workers, yet their welfare remains sidelined.
Job Loss Fears From Safety Department Transfer
Another source of anger is the planned transfer of the Ground Flight Safety (GFS) department from KAA to KCAA. According to KAWU, the move would render hundreds of workers jobless and rob KAA of vital revenue streams.
Union officials warn that transferring such a critical function undermines both safety and financial stability. Aviation experts agree that hollowing out KAA’s capacity could create dangerous gaps in safety oversight at Kenya’s busiest airports.
For many employees, this transfer is seen as a calculated attempt to weaken KAA while leaving loyal staff stranded. It is no surprise that the GFS dispute has become one of the strike’s most contentious issues.
Passengers and Airlines Left in Limbo
As the strike continues, passengers and airlines bear the brunt of the disruption. Families, business travelers, and tourists arriving at JKIA and Wilson Airport face uncertainty, missed flights, and extra costs. Airlines, already battling high operating expenses, now face penalties and reputational damage.
The government’s reassurances ring hollow when travelers on the ground are stranded or delayed. A strike of this magnitude exposes the fragile state of Kenya’s aviation sector and raises questions about leadership at KAA and KCAA.
The situation is no longer about workers versus management. It is about whether the government values the people who keep planes flying, passengers safe, and revenue flowing. Unless the grievances are addressed quickly, the disruption may escalate, damaging Kenya’s image as a regional aviation hub.
