Kenya airport workers have suspended their nationwide strike following two days of major disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other facilities, after reaching an agreement with the Kenya Airports Authority on outstanding grievances.
Airport workers across Kenya have officially called off their nationwide strike that caused significant disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and several regional airports over the past two days.
The Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA), which represents the majority of non-security airport staff, announced the suspension on February 18, 2026, after marathon negotiations with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) yielded a signed return-to-work formula.
KUDHEIHA Secretary-General Albert Njeru confirmed the decision outside JKIA Terminal 1A following the agreement. “Our members have agreed to resume duties immediately,” Njeru said. “The strike was suspended after KAA committed to addressing our core grievances, including salary harmonisation, risk allowances, improved medical cover, overtime pay and filling of critical vacancies. We thank the workers for their resolve and the public for their patience.”
The industrial action, which began at 6 a.m. on February 16, 2026, led to flight delays, cancellations and long passenger queues at JKIA, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport and Wilson Airport. Workers downed tools over long-standing issues including stagnant salaries, poor working conditions, lack of protective gear and non-payment of agreed allowances.
Passengers at JKIA reported chaos on the first day, with check-in counters unmanned, baggage handling halted and security screening slowed. Several international flights were delayed by up to six hours, while domestic routes faced cancellations. KAA activated contingency measures, including redeploying management staff and hiring casual workers, but acknowledged the impact.
KAA Managing Director Henry Ogoye described the strike as “regrettable” but praised the swift resolution. “We have reached an amicable agreement that addresses the workers’ legitimate concerns while ensuring minimal disruption going forward,” Ogoye said. “Operations are returning to normal, and we apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused. Flights are now operating smoothly.”
The return-to-work deal includes a commitment by KAA to commence salary harmonisation talks within 14 days, payment of pending allowances by the end of February 2026, provision of adequate personal protective equipment and recruitment of additional staff in critical areas such as baggage handling and customer service. Both sides also agreed to establish a joint standing committee to handle future grievances and prevent escalation.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the suspension and urged continued dialogue. “Government appreciates the workers’ decision to return to work,” Murkomen said. “We remain committed to fair labour practices across the aviation sector. The Ministry will monitor implementation of the agreement to ensure all parties honour their commitments.”
The two-day strike drew sharp criticism from business groups and tourism stakeholders who said the disruptions damaged Kenya’s reputation as a regional aviation hub. Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) CEO Anthony Mwaura called for stronger dispute resolution mechanisms. “Aviation is critical to trade and tourism,” Mwaura said. “We cannot afford repeated disruptions. Long-term solutions must be found to address worker grievances before they escalate.”
The Kenya Tourism Board also weighed in, noting that flight delays affected inbound tourists during peak season. “Reliable air services are vital for our recovery,” KTB CEO June Chepkemei said. “We are glad the strike has ended and hope such incidents can be avoided in future.”
Passengers stranded during the strike expressed mixed feelings. “It was frustrating—my flight was delayed by five hours and I missed a connection,” said Mercy Wanjiku, who was travelling to Dubai. “But I understand the workers have genuine issues. Hopefully both sides keep their word now.”
As normal operations resume, KAA has promised to clear the backlog of delayed flights and baggage within 24 hours. Workers returned to their stations in the early hours of February 18, 2026, and most domestic and international flights are now on schedule.
The agreement is seen as a temporary reprieve, with both sides acknowledging that deeper structural issues in pay, staffing and working conditions remain unresolved. The joint committee is expected to begin meeting within the next two weeks to develop a long-term roadmap.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has secured a major bail reprieve from the High Court, with Justice Winfrida Okwany reducing his bail from Sh53.5 million to Sh20 million cash pending appeal in his ongoing corruption case.
President Ruto and Governor Sakaja signed a cooperation agreement allocating funds for 50,000 new streetlights, water plants saving 50 million litres daily, 27 km Nairobi River sewer and ward road upgrades, with Ruto calling it a partnership to make the city livable while opposition senators warn of devolution threats.
A staff member at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital allegedly stole Sh10 million by falsifying patient bills as paid in the eCitizen system while diverting the money to her personal account, prompting an ongoing police and hospital investigation.
