Kenyan airport workers are on strike

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), also known as Nairobi International Airport (NBO), serves as Kenya's main international gateway. Located in the suburb of Embakasi, approximately 18 km southeast of Nairobi's city center, it is East Africa's busiest air traffic hub, handling both passenger and cargo traffic. On February 16, 2026, a strike took place at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi due to a labor dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The strike began on February 16 after a seven-day notice period provided by the KAWU. The union is demanding the resignation of the KAA board and the proper implementation of collective bargaining agreements. The strike resulted in flight cancellations and disruptions. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and monitor official communication channels for updates. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has activated its flight operations maintenance measures to ensure the continued availability of critical air safety and traffic control functions. A court had temporarily suspended the strike, but the union launched it anyway; negotiations are ongoing, and no resolution has been reported as of February 17. Kenya’s Airport Workers Threaten Strike: JKIA Faces Turbulence Ahead, medium