The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has assured the public of uninterrupted aviation services despite a planned strike by aviation workers, saying critical safety and operational functions will continue as talks with the union progress.
In a statement issued on February 10, 2026, KCAA confirmed it had received a notice of intended industrial action dated February 9 from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). The Authority said it had reviewed the notice in line with the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act, 2007, and applicable government labour relations policies.
“KCAA wishes to assure stakeholders that it is actively engaging the Union through established and lawful consultative frameworks, with the objective of resolving the issues raised amicably and in good faith,” the Authority said.
KCAA emphasised that its mandate places it among institutions providing essential services under the law, underscoring its obligation to maintain aviation safety and operational continuity.
“As a regulator and service provider within the civil aviation sector, KCAA performs functions that are designated as essential services under the law,” the statement read.
The Authority added that it remains “firmly committed to ensuring the continuity of critical aviation safety and operational services, in the interest of public safety, national security, and economic stability.”
While acknowledging the labour concerns raised by KAWU, KCAA reiterated that dialogue remains its preferred approach to resolving disputes.
According to the Authority, engagements with the union have already begun and will continue through lawful mechanisms.
“KCAA reiterates that dialogue remains the preferred and appropriate avenue for resolving labour-related concerns,” it said, noting that conciliation will be pursued where applicable.
Seeking to calm concerns among travellers and industry players, the Authority assured airlines, passengers, and partners that aviation operations remain unaffected.
“There is no disruption to aviation operations, and all services continue to be delivered as normal,” KCAA stated.
The Authority said further updates would be communicated through official channels as discussions with the union progress.
The Authority's assurance comes a day after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a seven-day strike notice, citing long-standing labour disputes and what it terms persistent violations of workers’ rights by management.
In a letter dated February 9, 2026, the union said all unionisable employees would down their tools upon expiry of the notice period if the issues raised are not “adequately addressed and conclusively resolved.”
The union accused KCAA management of failing to negotiate and conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement since 2015, refusing to deduct union dues, engaging workers on prolonged contract terms, and unilaterally implementing new human resource instruments that have led to job downgrades and pay cuts.
“Unless all the above issues in dispute are adequately addressed… we shall have no other alternative but to resort to industrial action,” the union warned.
