Editor's Review

The Kenya Aviation Workers' Union (KAWU) has called off its strike after reaching an agreement with the government. 

The Kenya Aviation Workers' Union (KAWU) has called off its strike after reaching an agreement with the government. 

In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, KAWU urged aviation workers to resume their normal duties after the union signed a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport.  

“In consideration of the foregoing agreements and commitments, KAWU calls off the industrial action and advises all its affected members to resume normal duties immediately upon execution of this Return-to-Work Agreement.

“The employees shall resume their respective duties and cooperate with management to ensure the immediate restoration and continuity of normal operations,” read the statement. 

The aviation workers' strike, which began on Sunday morning, disrupted operations across airports in Kenya, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

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File image of KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema with Labour CS Alfred Mutua. 
 The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport and the Kisumu International Airport were the most affected, with several flights forced to delay due to the strike. 

In the return-to-work formula, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) should remit the agency fees owed to KAWU immediately. 

“The agency fees due to the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and currently held by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) shall be remitted to the Union with immediate effect,” KAWU stated. 

The union also noted that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) withdrew its initial guidance issued in a July 28, 2026 letter and subsequently issued new parameters to guide negotiations.

KAWU said it will proceed with CBA negotiations with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) immediately.

“While the union has reservations on the SRC guidelines issued on the 1st September, 2026, Ref. No. SRC/TS/18/44 (44) and seeks to remedy the shortcomings arising from the said advisory during the CBA negotiations. 

“Therefore, KAWU and KCAA shall proceed with CBA negotiations immediately. KCAA management undertakes in good faith that it will honor and implement the outcome of the CBA negotiations,” the union added.

Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued an apology following the flight disruptions across airports in Kenya. 

“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to passengers whose journeys have been disrupted. 

“We urge affected travellers to remain patient and to continue liaising with their respective airlines for updates on their flights and travel arrangements,” he stated.