Kenya’s aviation workers have successfully concluded their two-day strike, committing to resume their normal duties following a significant agreement reached between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and relevant employers regarding essential labor issues.
In a Return-to-Work Agreement signed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, KAWU announced the cessation of industrial action and instructed all affected workers to promptly return to their respective roles.
“KAWU officially calls off the industrial action and encourages all affected members to immediately resume their normal duties upon the execution of this Return-to-Work Agreement,” stated the union.
This agreement addresses critical matters such as agency fees, ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the union recognition dispute involving Jambojet, and the safeguarding of workers who participated in the strike.
KAWU confirmed that the agency fees currently held by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and owed to the union will be remitted without delay.
CBA negotiations will resume promptly. Regarding the CBA between KAWU and KCAA, the union noted that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has retracted its earlier guidance issued on July 28, 2026, and introduced new parameters to steer the negotiations.
While KAWU expressed reservations about the SRC guidelines provided on September 1, 2026, the union is committed to addressing these concerns during the CBA discussions.
“KAWU and KCAA will commence CBA negotiations immediately,” the union affirmed.
According to the agreement, KCAA management has pledged to negotiate in good faith and to uphold and implement the outcomes of the CBA discussions.
The union and KCAA will continue negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues that led to the industrial action.
Regarding the Jambojet case, KAWU and Jambojet have agreed to await a court ruling on the union’s recognition dispute, which is currently under judicial consideration.
Both parties have committed to respecting and adhering to the final court decision and to taking the necessary actions as directed.
Jambojet has also pledged to fulfill all relevant legal and procedural requirements concerning trade union recognition with KAWU.
Furthermore, the agreement ensures the protection of workers who participated in the strike from any form of victimization.
“No employee shall face victimization, intimidation, discrimination, or disciplinary action due to their participation in the industrial action,” KAWU emphasized.
All parties involved have agreed to maintain industrial peace and to continue addressing any unresolved issues through consultation, negotiation, and established dispute-resolution mechanisms.
With the strike officially called off, aviation workers are set to resume normal operations immediately, marking a new chapter of collaboration and progress in the sector.
