Kenya aviation workers ended a two-day strike on Tuesday after a return-to-work deal was reached with the government and aviation authorities, easing disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and other airports across the country. The stoppage had delayed flights, stranded passengers and hit operations at Kenya’s main regional hub, with unions directing members back to work and clearance of flights to begin immediately.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union led the action, which centred on staffing and hiring practices, pay and the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement. Transport Minister Davis Chirchir was involved in the talks, alongside union head Moss Ndiema, as both sides moved to restore normal operations.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the agreement includes continued bargaining and protections for workers from retaliation over the industrial action. Services are expected to recover gradually as airlines and airport operators work through the backlog created during the stoppage, which also affected regional airports and connections beyond Nairobi.