The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has issued an update affecting all travelers and airport workers amid concerns of a strike. 

According to the authority, unionisable employees of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced plans to down their tools.

Consequently, that could affect operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The press statement, dated Saturday, September 27, 2025, however, confirmed that all aircraft diversions, overflights, and arrivals within Kenyan airspace will continue to be managed safely, despite the strike threat.

“Accordingly, the safety of aircraft operating within Kenyan airspace, whether overflying, arriving, or departing from our airports, is assured,” said KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao.

The Authority explained that all statutory responsibilities under the Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 394, remain unaffected.

This includes air traffic control, navigation, communication, surveillance, and aeronautical information services.

“All statutory functions and responsibilities of KCAA continue to be performed without interruption.

The Authority remains fully committed to discharging its mandate in accordance with the law and regulations,” Arao added.

Additionally, the Authority stated that it is working to ensure that any diversions required due to operational changes at JKIA or other airports are handled efficiently, thereby minimizing inconvenience for passengers and airlines.

The statement comes amid public concern, given past industrial actions that have led to significant flight delays and diversions.

KCAA also reaffirmed its commitment to complying with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

The Authority noted that Kenya’s aviation sector operates under strict oversight to safeguard safety, security, and efficiency.

At the same time, it assured the public that its systems are resilient and designed to withstand disruptions.

“The Authority appreciates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders and assures the public of a safe, secure, and sustainable civil aviation system,” Arao said.

Talks between the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) management and the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU) broke down after several attempts, resulting in the strike.

After a crisis meeting at JKIA, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema told reporters that none of the union’s seven demands had been resolved.

One of the highlighted issues was the dismissal of a human resource manager, which the union insists must be reversed, alongside broader accusations of mismanagement by the KAA board.

Ndiema warned that unless the issues were addressed before the strike notice expired, the union would have no choice but to proceed with industrial action.

The union also argued that JKIA had fallen into poor condition under the current leadership, with management-created vacancies undermining operations. 

KAWU further cautioned that the strike would not only affect JKIA but could spread to airports nationwide, warning the government and the public to prepare for widespread disruption.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.