THE AIRPORT STAFF HAVE ISSUED A 7-DAY STRIKE NOTICE DEMANDING THE RESIGNATION OF KENYA AVIATION AUTHORITY BOARD.
Nairobi, Kenya – Tensions are escalating in Kenya’s aviation sector after airport staff across the country issued a formal seven-day strike notice, demanding the immediate resignation of the entire board of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The announcement, made by the Union of Aviation Workers (UAWK), comes amid growing allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and deteriorating working conditions at major airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Union leaders say the board has failed to address critical issues affecting both staff welfare and aviation safety, raising fears that the situation could soon disrupt national and international air traffic if their demands are not met.
In a fiery press conference held on Monday, UAWK Secretary-General Josephat Mburu accused the KCAA board of overseeing a regime marked by opaque procurement processes, delayed salaries, and a blatant disregard for safety protocols. “We have exhausted every legal and diplomatic channel available to us. The board has continuously ignored our grievances while staff morale hits rock bottom. Enough is enough,” Mburu declared. The union also cited stalled negotiations on improved pay, unresolved issues of job security for casual and contract workers, and the alleged victimization of whistleblowers within the authority.
According to sources within the industry, unrest has been brewing for months, with airport workers complaining about inadequate equipment, understaffing, and long shifts without proper compensation. The strike threat comes at a critical time, with Kenya positioning itself as a major aviation hub in the region and preparing for an expected surge in holiday travel. Aviation analysts warn that if the strike goes ahead, it could cripple operations at key airports, disrupt cargo shipments, and tarnish the reputation of Kenya’s airspace as a regional leader.
In response to the strike notice, the Ministry of Transport issued a brief statement urging dialogue and restraint. “We acknowledge the concerns raised by aviation workers and are engaging relevant stakeholders to avert a disruption of services,” the ministry said. However, insiders suggest that behind-the-scenes talks between union representatives and government officials have stalled due to disagreements over timelines and accountability mechanisms.
The KCAA board has so far remained tight-lipped, refusing to respond publicly to the accusations or the resignation demands. This silence has further inflamed tensions among workers, who now accuse the leadership of arrogance and incompetence. As the countdown to the strike begins, pressure is mounting on the government to intervene decisively before the country’s aviation infrastructure grinds to a halt.
If no resolution is reached by the deadline, over 4,000 airport workers—including air traffic controllers, security personnel, maintenance crews, and ground handling staff—are expected to walk off the job, paralyzing one of East Africa’s busiest airspaces. With public safety, regional commerce, and Kenya’s international image at stake, all eyes are now on the government’s next move in what could become one of the most significant labor showdowns in the country’s aviation history.
