NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 24 – Kenya’s aviation sector could face significant disruptions after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) renewed its push for industrial action, raising fresh concerns over security at Wilson Airport and alleged labour rights violations at Kenya Airways (KQ).

📻 Breaking It Down

The union, which issued a seven-day strike notice on July 17 against the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways and Jambojet, says unresolved labour disputes and security concerns remain unaddressed.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema accused KAA of delaying the implementation of government-directed security reforms at Wilson Airport despite recommendations by the National Aviation Security Committee.

“The place is disorganized. KAA is not fully in charge of the security and the management of Wilson Airport. Our surprise is, KAA is dragging its feet when it comes to that. They have no appetite, even after being instructed by the government,” Ndiema said.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to Ndiema, the National Aviation Security Committee directed KAA to establish a passenger terminal and a centralized screening point to enable the authority to assume full responsibility for screening passengers, airport staff, cargo and luggage.

He argued that the measures are critical to strengthening oversight and accountability at one of Kenya’s busiest domestic airports.

“As a union, as employees, and as patriotic Kenyans, we are now coming out and we are saying you have to restore sanity at Wilson Airport,” he said.

Ndiema warned that any major security breach at Wilson Airport would have far-reaching consequences beyond the aviation workforce.

“If something was to happen, it will not just affect KAWU members. The consequences will go far beyond the interests of KAWU. It can hurt the standing of this country, it can hurt the standing of the aviation sector in Kenya and it can hurt tourism, which is a critical segment in this country.”

Beyond security concerns, KAWU accused Kenya Airways of failing to adhere to disciplinary procedures outlined in its Human Resource Manual and the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya