Ledama fingers labour and transport ministries for JKIA strike that grounded flights for 2 days

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has criticized the Labour and Transport ministries for failing to foresee the two-day aviation workers’ strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports across Kenya. The strike, called off on September 1, 2026, by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), disrupted flights for two days, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations.

Olekina urged the government to have contingency measures in place to protect travellers and minimise disruption to the aviation sector. The strike began on August 30, affecting JKIA, Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport. By Monday, the disruption had entered its second day, leaving thousands of travellers stranded.

Airlines had to cancel, delay, divert, and reschedule flights, and the effects extended beyond Kenya, impacting regional routes to several African countries. The strike's impact was estimated to have affected nearly Sh800 million in airfreight export value. The agreement between KAWU and the government, signed on September 1, aims to resume negotiations on a Collective Bargaining Agreement, with salary discussions to follow guidelines from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

The strike also highlights the economic risks of instability at Kenya's main aviation hub, with the disruption potentially affecting exports and various businesses dependent on reliable air transport.