The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has called off the industrial action that disrupted flight operations at Nairobi airports after reaching an agreement with the government and other parties on several outstanding issues.

Under the agreement, Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) has committed to immediately remit agency fees owed to KAWU and currently being held by the authority.

The parties also reached an understanding on the Collective Bargaining Agreement between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has withdrawn its earlier guidance issued through a July 28, 2026 letter and subsequently issued new parameters to guide the CBA negotiations.

KAWU and KCAA have consequently agreed to proceed with the negotiations immediately, with KCAA management committing to negotiate in good faith and honour and implement the eventual outcome of the CBA talks.

The agreement also addresses the long running recognition dispute between KAWU and Jambojet. The matter is currently before the court, and both parties have agreed to await the court's determination and comply with whatever directives are issued.

Jambojet has further committed to meeting all applicable legal and procedural requirements relating to trade union recognition.

Workers to Resume Normal Duties

The agreement has paved the way for the immediate return of aviation workers to their stations.

KAWU has formally called off the industrial action and directed all affected members to resume normal duties immediately.

The agreement states that employees will return to their respective duties and cooperate with management to ensure the immediate restoration and continuity of normal operations at the affected airports.

The development is expected to ease the disruption that had left hundreds of passengers stranded, with flights delayed and cancelled as the go slow entered its second day.

Workers Protected From Victimisation

Another key provision of the agreement is a non victimisation clause.

The parties have agreed that no employee will be victimised, intimidated, discriminated against or subjected to disciplinary action simply because they participated in the industrial action.

The agreement also commits both sides to maintaining industrial peace and continuing to address outstanding issues through consultation, negotiations and established dispute resolution mechanisms.

The return to normal operations now places the focus on whether the commitments contained in the agreement will be implemented, particularly the CBA negotiations between KAWU and KCAA, which were at the centre of the workers' grievances.

For thousands of passengers and businesses affected by the disruption, however, the immediate priority will be the restoration of normal flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other affected airports.