Kenya: KAWU Raises Wilson Airport Security Concerns Ahead of Planned Aviation Strike

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Capital FM report from Nairobi, says the Kenya Aviation Workers Union has renewed plans for industrial action that could affect the country’s aviation operations. The union issued a seven-day strike notice on July 17 to the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airways and Jambojet, citing unresolved labour disputes and concerns about security arrangements at Wilson Airport.

According to the report, KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema told a Thursday media briefing that KAA had been slow to act on security changes recommended by the National Aviation Security Committee. He said the committee had called for a passenger terminal and a single screening point so KAA could take full responsibility for checks on passengers, staff, cargo and baggage. Ndiema argued that tighter oversight at Wilson Airport, a major domestic aviation hub in Nairobi, was important for public safety and for Kenya’s wider aviation reputation.

The union also accused Kenya Airways of breaching agreed labour processes under its Human Resource Manual and Collective Bargaining Agreement. Ndiema alleged that some managers were not following disciplinary and staff transfer procedures. The report states that KAWU views those actions as violations of workers’ rights and negotiated agreements.

KAWU said it still supports growth in the aviation sector and remains open to talks, but warned passengers to expect possible disruptions if the issues are not resolved before the strike deadline. Capital FM reported that a walkout could affect flights, cargo handling and airport services, with possible wider consequences for tourism, trade and time-sensitive exports.