A strike by workers at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport slowed air traffic on Monday, August 31, 2026, causing delays and cancellations that stranded many passengers. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) is behind the labor action disrupting operations at Kenya’s primary international airport.
Union Grievances Trigger Strike
KAWU members launched the strike to protest alleged unfair staff hiring, inadequate compensation, and proposed changes in airport management. The union raised concerns about job security and employment conditions. It opposes plans by the Kenya Airports Authority to employ volunteers as airport staff, arguing this would undermine trained workers’ roles. Union leader Moss Ndiema said talks
with government officials on Sunday, August 30, ended without resolution.
Flight Delays and Passenger Impact
The disruptions affected flight schedules, with Kenya Airways and its subsidiary Jambojet reporting extended delays. The Kenya Airports Authority confirmed that “some flights are experiencing delays and cancellations” at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Many travelers faced long queues due to the slowdowns. Passenger Hellen Moraa, traveling to the Netherlands via Dubai, described the financial losses caused by the delays as “unfair.”
Official Statements
The Kenya Airports Authority advised passengers to check with their carriers before traveling to the airport due to ongoing disruptions. Union leader Moss Ndiema confirmed that Sunday’s talks with
government representatives ended without agreement, maintaining the strike’s continuation.
Background and Context
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as a major transport hub for regional and international travel in Kenya. This strike follows a similar labor action in February that also caused widespread disruptions and left thousands of passengers stranded. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union accuses the Kenya Airports Authority of insufficiently supporting workers and opposes using volunteers as airport staff during labor disputes.
