Kenya’s Strike Escalates as Aviation Workers Ground Flights at JKIA
Kenya’s strike by aviation workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has ignited new disruptions in one of Africa’s busiest travel hubs on Monday, February 16, 2026. The industrial action centred on stalled wage talks and contract negotiations has led to significant flight delays and heightened tensions between labour unions and authorities.
Kenya’s Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) says its members were left with no option but to down tools after prolonged negotiations with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) failed to produce a satisfactory collective bargaining agreement. Despite legal efforts by the government to block the strike, workers proceeded with the action, citing systemic neglect of their long-standing demands.
Flight Disruptions Hit Key Routes
Early on Monday, travellers experienced delays and cancellations at JKIA a critical regional gateway connecting East Africa to global destinations. Kenya Airways and other carriers advised passengers to check flight statuses amidst air traffic control delays linked to reduced staffing, affecting both domestic and international travel.
Airport authorities activated contingency plans to mitigate the impact, but disruptions persisted into the peak morning travel period. Local reports also noted increased queues at check-in counters and difficulty in managing passenger flows due to the reduced workforce.
Analysts warn that continued delays could have broader implications for Kenya’s tourism sector, already fragile from global economic pressure and lingering pandemic recoveries. Travel industry stakeholders are watching closely as airlines absorb costs and reroute flights to maintain schedules.
Legal Battle and Union Resolve on Kenya’s Strike
In the days leading up to this week’s walkout, Kenya’s Labour Court issued a provisional halt to planned strike action after the KCAA sought to block industrial action that could jeopardise airport safety and operations. The court’s injunction aimed to restore stability while pushing both sides back to negotiations.
However, Kenya’s strike persists today as union members argue that no formal court order was served preventing them from walking off the job and they stress that unresolved core issues justify their decision. Union leaders also emphasised that KCAA’s failure to complete a collective bargaining agreement and the ongoing employment of workers on temporary contracts were central grievances.
“The delay in reviewing salaries and recognising long-standing employees undermines morale and livelihood,” said KAWU Secretary-General Moses Ndiema, highlighting grievances that span over a decade without meaningful resolution.
Public and Industry Reactions on kenya’s Strike
Passengers stranded at JKIA expressed frustration and concern. “We arrived hours early, but now face uncertainty about whether our flights will depart,” said one international traveller, reflecting the anxiety of those affected. Social media channels lit up with images of crowded terminals and delayed boarding gates, illustrating growing public impatience.
Economists warn that persistent labour unrest can dent Kenya’s reputation as East Africa’s transport and commercial hub, where tourism arrivals and cargo logistics are vital contributors to GDP.
Industry representatives have urged swift and transparent mediation to prevent escalation. “Aviation safety and efficiency rely on a healthy working relationship between management and staff,” noted a travel sector analyst in Nairobi.
Broader Labour Tensions Across Kenya
This latest aviation stoppage comes amid a wider backdrop of labour unrest in Kenya over pay, working conditions, and collective bargaining challenges. Earlier in 2026, sugar mill workers suspended a nationwide strike after the government agreed to release KSh 1 billion towards delayed arrears in a deal with the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers.
Similarly, county government workers and nurses have previously issued strike notices over pay disparities and implementation delays of agreed salary adjustments.
Labour advocates say such disputes underscore deep structural issues in Kenya’s public and private sectors particularly where prolonged negotiations and delayed settlements have eroded worker confidence.
Kenya’s Strike: What Comes Next?
As Kenya’s strike unfolds, all eyes will be on renewed talks between KAWU, KCAA, and government mediators. With flights still disrupted and public patience waning, stakeholders are under pressure to reach a pact that restores full airport operations and addresses key worker concerns.
For travellers and businesses, the situation remains fluid and airlines are urging frequent communication with passengers as revisions to flight schedules continue.
Kenya’s strike at JKIA highlights broader labour tensions in the country and serves as a litmus test for effective dispute resolution in strategic national infrastructure sectors.
Looking Ahead
If negotiations fail to advance swiftly, further ripple effects may be felt across tourism, trade logistics, and investor confidence. Official updates are expected throughout the week as government officials and union leaders renew efforts to end the stoppage and stabilise operations at Kenya’s aviation hub.
