Aviation workers issue fresh seven-day strike notice

Kenya's aviation industry faces renewed uncertainty following the announcement of a fresh seven-day strike notice by the aviation workers' union, threatening to disrupt operations at a critical moment for East Africa's transport hub. The decision, formally announced on March 18, 2026, represents an escalation in an ongoing labour dispute between unionised workers and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), raising fresh concerns about the stability of the continent's busiest aviation corridor. The industrial action stems from allegations that KCAA has failed to honour commitments outlined in a return-to-work agreement negotiated on February 17, 2026. Union leadership claims the authority has not fulfilled specific clauses of the accord, prompting the organisation to pursue more aggressive tactics after initial attempts at resolution proved unsuccessful. The seven-day notice period suggests strike action could commence within days, though the union may still seek last-minute negotiations with management. For European investors and operators active in Kenya's aviation ecosystem, the implications are substantial. Kenya's aviation sector generates approximately $1.8 billion annually and supports over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs across the supply chain. International carriers operating from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)—including European airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, and Brussels Airlines—depend on smooth ground operations. A prolonged