NAIROBI, Kenya, September 30, 2025 – Aviation workers have suspended their planned strike for two days to allow negotiations with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
The move followed a court order that directed KAA and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) to reconcile before any industrial action.
Court-Mandated Conciliation
KAWU confirmed that Monday’s talks ended without an agreement.
“The deliberations concluded at around 7:45 pm and the meeting was adjourned until tomorrow morning when we will resume conciliation again,” the union said in a statement.
The court expects a progress report on Wednesday before another hearing on Thursday, according to The Standard.
Why the Strike Was Planned
Last week, KAWU issued a seven-day strike notice. The union accused the KAA board of incompetence and listed six grievances that required urgent action.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the board had lost the confidence of aviation workers. He blamed poor governance, inefficiencies, and controversial decisions, including the Adani lease deal, reported by Reuters.
For more on governance disputes, see sauce.co.ke’s politics section.
What Happens Next
KAWU has given KAA until the conciliation ends to address its concerns. Failure to reach a deal could trigger a strike that disrupts operations at major airports such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
KAA already faces scrutiny for how it manages airports. Business Daily reports that inefficiencies at terminals have raised alarm among airlines and passengers.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also warned that disputes in aviation weaken regional safety and reliability.
For broader labour coverage, visit sauce.co.ke’s business section.
Regional and International Context
Kenya’s aviation hubs remain among the busiest in Africa. Africa News notes that disruptions here can affect air travel across the continent.
Al Jazeera has linked similar strikes in transport sectors to wider political debates on governance. Meanwhile, the International Labour Organization (ILO) continues to track Kenya’s labour disputes as part of its global mandate.
