Airport workers end two-day strike at JKIA

Source: nation.africa

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Airport workers from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) ended a two-day strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other facilities on February 17, 2026, after talks with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and Ministry of Transport. The action had caused widespread flight delays and cancellations, stranding hundreds of passengers. This is being reported now as operations resume following the union's announcement of a return-to-work agreement.

Key points

Details and context

The strike forced passengers into long waits without clear updates; one anonymous traveller at JKIA said everything was at a standstill by midday, while Job Cheruiyot had been stranded since the previous day.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

Kenya Airways issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

Grievances were split into immediate fixes and those needing more time, with the return-to-work formula covering the agreed terms.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

Key quotes

“Kawu would like to call off the strike action on terms that have been agreed in the return-to-work formula. We are satisfied with the guidance and the intervention of the government in this matter." — Moses Ndiema, Kawu Secretary-General.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

“Union level of representation at KCAA will now include employees in grades 4 and 5. The rest of the items...require more time and deliberations...that is why we have requested the Minister of Labour to assist us." — Moses Ndiema.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

Why it matters

JKIA handles much of East Africa's air traffic, so disruptions ripple across regional travel and trade. Travellers and airlines now face fewer delays but may still deal with backlog from cancellations, while workers gained partial concessions on job security. Watch for outcomes of ongoing labour talks, as unresolved issues could spark future action.

What changed

Before, workers were on strike since February 16, paralysing airport operations with delays and cancellations. Now, the strike is suspended under a return-to-work agreement, with urgent demands like expanded union representation met and operations resuming. The deal was signed February 17 after talks.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

FAQ

Q: Why did Kawu workers go on strike?

A: The action stemmed from a labour dispute with KCAA, with key demands including employment on permanent and pensionable terms. Grievances covered union representation and other employment issues. The union split them into urgent items addressed immediately and others for later.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

Q: Which airports were affected?

A: Operations paralysed at major airports including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Air traffic control disruptions were key. Hundreds of travellers were stranded at these sites.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

Q: What did airlines experience?

A: Kenya Airways reported up to four-hour departure delays from JKIA and advised checking flight status. Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways rescheduled or cancelled flights. Passengers received regret messages for inconveniences.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)

Q: How was the strike resolved?

A: Talks with KCAA, Ministry of Transport, and others led to an agreement signed February 17. Kawu called it off on a return-to-work formula. Government intervention was credited by the union.[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/business/companies/relief-for-travellers-as-airport-workers-end-strike-5362066)