Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has disclosed details of the marathon negotiations that led to the suspension of the Kenya Airport Workers’ strike, apologising to passengers and workers affected by the industrial action.
Mutua said government officials, union representatives and other stakeholders spent an entire day and night negotiating a settlement to the dispute, with discussions continuing into the early hours of Tuesday.
The strike disrupted operations at major Kenyan airports, leaving thousands of passengers facing flight delays, cancellations and long waits as aviation workers protested unresolved labour grievances.
“My sincere apologies to all those who were inconvenienced by the strike,” Mutua said, while also acknowledging the concerns raised by airport workers.
The CS said the government recognised that the workers had grievances that needed to be addressed, particularly issues concerning their welfare and working conditions.
Mutua credited several institutions and individuals for helping resolve the standoff, naming the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Jambojet, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and other government agencies among those involved in the negotiations.
He also disclosed that he had travelled from Mombasa to Nairobi to participate in the crucial meeting after his flight was cleared by the Mombasa Civil Aviation team and the control tower.
“Yesterday, we spent a whole day and an entire night negotiating, going back and forth to find a solution to the Kenya Airport Workers’ strike,” he said.
Mutua singled out his Cabinet colleague, Transport CS Davis Chirchir, for praise, describing him as “brilliant and super-patient” during the lengthy negotiations.
He also recognised Principal Secretaries Terry Mbaika and Shadrack Mwadime, as well as government staff and union leaders who participated in the talks.
According to Mutua, Mwadime also led the negotiating team in prayers during the overnight discussions as the parties worked towards an agreement.
The CS reserved special praise for veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli, who remained at the negotiations until about 5:30 a.m.
Mutua gave a lighter account of the intense talks, saying Atwoli even entertained those present with a Rhumba dance at around 3:30 a.m., describing him as “a real maestro.”
The agreement brought relief to the aviation sector after the strike caused significant disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other airports.
However, airlines warned that passengers could continue experiencing delays as operators worked to clear the backlog created during the strike.
The settlement is expected to provide a platform for the government, employers and the union to address the underlying labour disputes, including collective bargaining and workers’ welfare, while restoring stability to Kenya’s aviation industry.