Aviation Workers to Down Tools From October 1, Union Lists Six Demands

Nairobi, Kenya — September 23, 2025, 16:45 EAT.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a strike notice to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), warning that all unionisable aviation staff will down tools from October 1, 2025, unless their six major demands are met. The action follows growing frustration over alleged misgovernance, withheld payments, and threats to job security.

The Latest

• In a letter dated September 23, 2025, addressed to the Acting Managing Director and CEO of KAA, KAWU’s Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union has given a seven-day notice period. If the demands are not addressed by then, the union will initiate industrial action starting October 1. 

• The central grievance is a “loss of faith” in the KAA Board of Directors, which the union accuses of incompetence, poor governance, and making decisions without foresight—particularly criticizing the controversial Adani lease deal. 

Context in Brief

• KAA has been under scrutiny from aviation workers over the past months, especially since leasing arrangements and management decisions with private partners (notably Adani) have been perceived as opaque or favouring external interests.

• The shift of some departments, like Ground Flight Safety (GFS), to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has raised concerns over redundancies and revenue loss.

• The union has long complained about contract staff not being confirmed to permanent terms and about delays in paying overtime and providing formal appointment letters.

Union’s Six Demands

According to the strike notice and union letter, here are the six demands KAWU has laid out for KAA:

1. Resignation or replacement of the KAA Board of Directors – The union holds that the current board has lost credibility and is no longer serving the interests of Kenyans. 

2. Reversal or halting of the transfer of the Ground Flight Safety (GFS) department from KAA to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) – this move is feared to cause job losses and undermine revenue streams for KAA. 

3. Confirmation of over 500 contract employees to permanent and pensionable terms – the union demands that contract staff who have been working long-term be regularised. 

4. Issuance of substantive appointment letters for all promoted employees – promotions must come with formal letters that outline responsibilities, terms, and benefits. 

5. Payment of six months’ worth of overtime dues for staff at Wilson Airport – this includes past overtime work that has not yet been compensated. 

6. Restoration and strengthening of the Human Resources department – the union argues that HR has been “crippled” or dismantled, which has hampered staff welfare, delayed or stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) processes, and hurt overall human resource management. 

Law, Policy, and Process

• Labour Relations Act & Employment Act (Kenya): These provide for the right to strike, but also require notice and attempts at conciliation. KAWU’s issuance of a seven-day notice is a step aligned with legal requirement.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): If in place, portions of the dispute (like confirmation of contract staff, HR processes, overtime dues) should be governed by existing CBAs.

• Governance & Public Sector Accountability laws: Issues like board conduct, public procurement of leases, and transparency may invoke oversight by Parliament, Public Service Commission, and relevant regulatory bodies.

Voices and Stakeholders

• KAWU / Moss Ndiema (SG): Accuses the KAA Board of “betrayal of trust,” poor decisions, and mismanagement. Demands swift action; failure to comply will lead to a strike. 

• KAA Board / Management (yet to respond publicly): No official detailed response yet, though likely to be pressured to clarify their position on each demand.

• Labour Cabinet Secretary: The dispute letter was copied to the Labour Cabinet Secretary, indicating potential involvement/resolution at that level. 

• Aviation Sector Observers / Unions: Watching closely, particularly because of possible disruption to airport operations (passenger flow, safety oversight) and revenue implications.

Evidence & Data Box

Risks and Implications

• Service disruptions: Potential delays, cancellations, or limited airport operations starting early October if a strike goes ahead.

• Economic impact: Losses from airport revenue, cargo handling, tourism, and airlines may escalate rapidly.

• Safety & compliance: If Ground Flight Safety (GFS) is moved without proper transition, safety oversight and compliance standards may be affected.

• Labour relations: The outcome could set precedent for other unionised sectors dealing with contract staff, promotion transparency, and board accountability.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether KAA has formally replied to the demands and whether they accept or negotiate.

• What mechanisms for dispute resolution KAWU will pursue if there is no timely response (e.g., mediation, Industrial Court).

• The precise financial cost to KAA of confirming contract staff, paying overtime, and restoring HR functions.

• How the government or labour department may intervene to avert strike.

Timeline

• Early-2025: Rising tension over Adani deal, GFS department transfer discussions, contract staff confirmations, etc.

• September 23, 2025: KAWU issues the letter containing the six demands and gives a seven-day notice to KAA. 

• October 1, 2025: Date when strike action is expected to begin unless demands are met.

What to Watch

• A formal KAA response to KAWU’s demands before the notice period expires (i.e., before October 1).

• Possible involvement by Labour Cabinet Secretary or Labour courts to mediate.

• Financial disclosures from KAA about capacity to meet demands (e.g. budget for overtime, permanent staffing).

• Effects on flight schedules and airport operations (passenger alerts, airline notices).

Editor’s Note: This article draws on letters and official strike notices reported by Capital FM. Details remain subject to verification from both KAA and KAWU in the coming days.