CALMING THE STORM: KENYA’S AVIATION SECTOR CHARTS A PATH TO STABILITY THROUGH DIALOGUE AND REFORM

In a decisive demonstration of the Government’s commitment to industrial harmony, the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development under the Ministry of Transport and is spearheading a series of high-level engagements aimed at resolving long-standing labour disputes and restoring stability to Kenya’s aviation sector. These efforts, anchored in the Return-to-Work Agreement of 1 September 2026, reflect a renewed focus on social dialogue, fair labour practices, and sustainable partnerships between workers, employers, and regulators. 
The foundation was set on  7 September 2026 in a meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary, Ms. Teresia Mbaika, CBS. This was a  critical Stakeholder Consultative Meeting on Aviation Labour Relations, bringing together key parties to the recent industrial action namely the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways, and Jambojet Limited. 
Under the PS’s guidance, the meeting established a clear, actionable framework to address outstanding matters, including the commencement of KAWU–KCAA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations already underway, resolution of outstanding agency-fee and employment-related concerns and a  structured mechanism for addressing unresolved historical grievances
Both PS Mbaika and KAWU Secretary General Mr. Moss Ndiema emphasized the need for sustained social dialogue to prevent future industrial disputes and safeguard uninterrupted service delivery. The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to clear the backlog of unresolved issues, foster a vibrant working environment founded on fairness, and respect for workers’ rights, and uphold the Return-to-Work Agreement’s pledge to dialogue, conciliation, and established legal mechanisms. PS Terry Mbaika underscored that a constructive partnership between workers, employers, and Government is essential to a stable, productive, and globally competitive aviation sector, one that protects jobs, sustains operations, and advances Kenya’s wider economic gains from aviation.
Key attendees in the discussions have been KAWU Secretary General Mr. Moss Ndiema and representatives from each of the employers from whom the union members are drawn alongside senior officials from the State Department.  
PS Mabika has since also chaired additional talks specific to the issues raised by KAWU about  the Kenya Airport Authority. This follow-up reinforced the Government’s dedication to sustained dialogue, addressing outstanding issues, and building mutually acceptable solutions that strengthen industrial relations and ensure sector-wide stability. The engagements highlighted a core principle that of a strong aviation sector that depends not only on infrastructure, but also on a motivated and valued workforce. By maintaining constructive engagement, the State Department aims to deliver lasting, sustainable solutions that safeguard workers’ interests while supporting a safe, efficient, and resilient aviation sector.  
The engagement are strategic investments in Kenya’s aviation future. A stable, harmonious aviation sector that protects Kenya’s Category 1 safety rating and global reputation, ensures uninterrupted connectivity for trade, tourism, and regional integration, attracts investment and airline partnerships by signaling predictability and good governance.
As the CBA negotiations progress and grievance-resolution mechanisms take shape, the State Department remains committed to working closely with Parliament, regulators, unions, and industry players to build an aviation ecosystem that is safe, efficient, well-governed, and sustainable, serving Kenyans and connecting Africa to the world.