While addressing the media outside the Milimani Law Court on 18th March 2026, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) stated that it would resume strike action next Wednesday unless the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) honors a return-to-work formula signed on 17th February.
During the press briefing, KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema accused KCAA management of undermining the agreement that ended the earlier strike, as well as defying both a court directive and a government-brokered Return-to-Work Formula.
The dispute centers around two key grievances: the failure by KCAA to remit union dues for Grades 4 and 5 employees, and the unlawful dismissal of Ms. Vivian Ongwae in alleged contempt of a standing court order.Ndiema stated that these actions undermine not only the rights of the workers but also the authority of the court itself.
The union confirmed that a strike notice had been officially issued, warning that unless KCAA fully complies with the agreement including reinstating Ms. Ongwae and regularizing union deductions the aviation workforce would down tools.
Following intense conciliation led by Hellen Apiyo and built upon earlier mediation by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao conceded to the demands. An agreement was reached to reinstate Ms. Ongwae by February 27, 2026, and to begin deducting union dues, prompting the union to suspend the imminent strike.
However, they made it clear to journalists that the strike notice remains a live option. They also warned that if the agreement is breached, the next action would be swift, lawful, and powerful enough to ground the country’s skies.
