Moss Ndiema, The Secretary General of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) addressing the media and the Union workers
By Aoma Keziah,
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has announced that it will proceed with a nationwide strike starting September 1,potentially leading to a complete shutdown of aviation services across the country. The union’s leadership has also demanded the immediate resignation of top officials at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), warning that failure to comply could escalate the situation further.
The looming strike follows a seven-day notice issued by the union in response to the government’s proposal to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to India’s Adani Group. The proposal has sparked widespread concern among aviation workers, who argue that the move threatens job security and undermines the national interest.
“We are not just fighting for our jobs, we are fighting for the future of this country’s aviation sector. The proposed leasing of JKIA is unacceptable, and we will not stand by as our national assets are handed over to foreign entities without due consideration of the impact on Kenyan workers.” Said Moss Ndiema, KAWU Secretary General.
Ndiema also stated that the decision to strike follows months of negotiations that have failed to address critical issues such as salary discrepancies, poor working conditions, and the failure to honor collective bargaining agreements, he emphasized that the union had exhausted all possible avenues for dialogue and was left with no choice but to take industrial action.
The union has urged the government to revoke the leasing proposal and initiate a dialogue with stakeholders to explore alternative solutions. In addition to the strike, KAWU is calling for the resignation of key KAA officials, whom they accuse of mismanagement and failing to protect the interests of the aviation sector.
“We have tried to engage with the Kenya Airports Authority, but our concerns have been ignored. The only way forward is to take action. If the current leadership at KAA cannot defend our industry, then they must step down,” Ndiema added.
The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions at JKIA, one of Africa’s busiest airports, and other airports across the country. Travelers are advised to make alternative arrangements as the situation unfolds.
As the September 1 deadline approaches, the government and KAA have yet to respond to the union’s demands. However, with tensions rising and the threat of a total shutdown looming, all eyes will be on the government’s next move to avert a crisis in Kenya’s aviation sector.
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The Mt Kenya Times 
