Kenya aviation workers end strike following flight disruptions

Kenya’s aviation workers have ended a strike that caused significant flight disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other regional hubs in East Africa. Transport Minister Davis Chirchir and Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU) head Moss Ndiema announced the return to work following a signed agreement between the union, civil aviation authorities, and low-cost carrier Jambojet.

The strike, primarily led by air traffic controllers on Sunday and Monday, forced airlines to cancel or reschedule flights serving Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, and Mauritius. KAWU had cited long-standing grievances, including delayed salary reviews, disputes over union dues at the Kenya Airports Authority, and the suspension of three collective bargaining agreements dating back to 2015.

While operations are being normalized, officials stated that negotiations regarding the outstanding issues will continue.