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Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) may be severely disrupted next week after Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) employees issued a seven-day strike notice.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has accused KAA management of failing to address multiple grievances, with the most contentious issue being the transfer of Ground Flight Safety (GFS) functions to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
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The union argues that the move was executed without consultation, putting jobs and revenue at risk.
In a letter dated September 22, 2025, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema warned that KCAA has already recruited its own GFS personnel, reinforcing employees’ fears of job losses.
Other complaints raised include KAA’s failure to confirm over 500 long-serving contract workers to permanent and pensionable terms, non-payment of overtime allowances for staff at Wilson Airport, lack of substantive appointments for promoted employees, and the disbandment of the human resources department, which the union says has stalled labour dispute resolutions. Additionally, three pending Collective Bargaining Agreements remain unresolved.
Tensions flared on Tuesday when staff gathered at KAA’s Nairobi headquarters, but their attempts to engage management were unsuccessful.
Responding to the concerns, KAA board chairperson Caleb Kositany explained that the expiry of the HR manager’s contract had affected implementation of staff issues, though the position would soon be advertised. He also dismissed reports of a GFS handover to KCAA, saying consultations were ongoing in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
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KAWU has warned that unless action is taken within seven days, members will down their tools, a move that could paralyse airport services and ground flights nationwide.
Ground Flight Safety covers critical activities such as secure aircraft parking, safe loading and unloading of luggage and cargo, maintenance of ground equipment, and emergency response—all vital for the safety of passengers, crew, and staff during airport operations.
