NAIROBI, Kenya — The Employment and Labour Relations Court has issued interim orders halting a planned strike by workers at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), pending the hearing and determination of a labour dispute.
In directions issued on February 12 at the Milimani Law Courts, the Court certified KCAA’s application as urgent.
It ordered that the strike notice dated February 9, 2026, should not be acted upon until the matter is heard.
The case involves KCAA and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
As an interim measure, the Court directed that any industrial action likely to interfere with KCAA’s statutory mandate must not proceed until further orders.
KCAA’s responsibilities include safeguarding aviation safety and security, regulating air services economically, and supporting the continued development of civil aviation in Kenya.
These functions are anchored in the Civil Aviation Act and are considered critical to protecting passengers and maintaining confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
The matter is scheduled for mention on February 26, 2026, when the Court will give further directions.
In a statement, KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao assured passengers, airline operators, and other stakeholders that aviation operations remain normal.
“We wish to reassure all stakeholders that aviation operations remain normal, safe, and uninterrupted. The Authority continues to discharge its mandate diligently to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation in Kenya,” the statement read.
The Authority said it remains committed to constructive engagement through lawful and consultative mechanisms.
It added that sustainable solutions should be achieved within the constitutional and statutory framework governing labour relations.
Under Article 41 of the Constitution, workers have the right to strike.
However, the law also allows courts to intervene where industrial action may disrupt essential services or where disputes are pending adjudication.
Labour disputes in critical sectors such as aviation often attract heightened scrutiny due to potential ripple effects on travel, trade, and national security.
