The Kenya Aviation Workers Union, through its Secretary-General Moss Ndiema, has issued a statement directing all unionisable employees of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to down their tools and withdraw their labour.


The statement was issued on Saturday just a few hours after pilots of the national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) also downed their tools in the morning.

According to the statement, the union had informed the KAA management of a court order that directed the union members to proceed with the strike until the KAA management resolves their dispute.

“In our last communication dated 15th August 2022, we informed you of the Court Order issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court on 15th August 2022 directing all unionisable employees of KAA to proceed on strike and consequently withdraw labour and remain out of the shop floor in all areas until Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) management finds the need and the urgency to conclude the CBA,” the statement read.

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“Ever since, the management has not made any effort to conclude the CBA.”

Therefore, the union advised its members who were at work by 2 pm to down their tools and proceed home and those at home waiting to come in for later shifts to stay put and not report to work.

“Pursuant to the said Court Order, this is to instruct and advice all unionisable employees of KAA to commence the strike at 2.00 pm today, 5th November 2022 in compliance with the Court Order,” the statement read in part.

“Consequently, we advise those who are currently at work to peacefully walk out of their work stations at 2.00 pm and proceed home. For those who are still at home waiting to report for their shifts, we advise you to stay away and not to report to work. Please do not assemble at your workstations or hold any gatherings or processions.”

The union further said it shall issue a further communication on a meeting in due course for further directions and guidance.

In the same statement, Ndiema assured the unionisable employees taking part in the strike they shall not be replaced, victimised or harassed and they will also receive their salaries and benefits in full.

“Please note that as per the Court Order, all unionisable employees who shall engage in the withdrawal of labour shall not be replaced, victimised or harassed and shall only return to work upon the Union being fully satisfied with the terms of the new CBA,” Ndiema said. 

“Further, all unionisable employees shall have their full salaries and benefits paid without being placed at any disadvantage whatsoever.”

"Therefore, this is a protected strike in accordance with the law having been sanctioned and authorised by the Court," he added.


The KQ pilots and KAA employees' strike is likely to cause chaos at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and massive inconveniences.

As of the time of this publication, over 15 flights had already been cancelled and over 9000 passengers were stranded.