The new Transport CS Kipchuma Murkomen has accused the striking Kenya Airways (KQ) pilots of economic sabotage.


Murkomen expressed his sadness on Saturday at the strike that began on Saturday morning, which he also termed as unlawful.

He said that at least 10,000 passengers were stranded after over 15 flights were cancelled following the strike.

Murkomen also said that the strike was counterproductive and is likely to make KQ lose Sh300 million daily and will also have a negative impact on the country’s economy, especially in the transport and tourism sectors.

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"It is estimated that the airline will lose Sh300 million daily as a result of the strike which is counterproductive if you consider the demands made by the pilots. Apart from that, the strike will negatively affect the economy, especially the transport and tourism sectors," Murkomen said.

Murkomen’s remarks come after Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the pilots to resume their duties.

Kilavuka also reiterated the strike has affected over 9000 travellers and caused the stalling of about 6000 tonnes of cargo.

Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) which represents all pilots in the country announced on Friday that their pilots will withdraw their labour on Saturday from 6 am.

KALPA made the announcement via a statement on Friday informing members of the public of the impending strike.

“Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), the representative voice of all pilots in the country, Kenya Airways included, wishes to inform members of the public that beginning Saturday, 5th November 2022, from 6.00am local time, there shall be no Kenya Airways aircraft departing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) flown by a KALPA member,” the statement read.


While the pilots’ strike is ongoing, the operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are about to come to a grinding halt as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and all unionisable Kenya Airports Authority employees also down their tools.