Kenya airport strike strands hundreds, delays flights

Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Kenya's main international airport on Sunday and Monday after air traffic controllers and airport staff resumed a strike, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations. The industrial action at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, a major hub for East Africa, entered its second day on Monday, with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) stating that negotiations with government officials were ongoing but had not yet reached a resolution. The strike, which also affected Moi International Airport in Mombasa, was triggered by a range of grievances. The union cited the inability to conclude a collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, as well as issues including unpaid wages, job security, and working conditions. KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union and government officials met on Sunday to address the issues but were unsuccessful. "We have agreed to proceed with the engagements tomorrow, as from 11 o'clock in the morning. In the meantime, the strike action is still on," he said in comments broadcast on Sunday. The disruption led to significant inconvenience for travelers.