Kenya Airforce personnel deployed to screen passengers at JKIA amid aviation workers strike

KDF takes over duties of striking aviation workers at JKIA

Mumbi Mutuko

March 6, 2019 11:39 AM

JKIA strike

Kenya Airforce personnel deployed to JKIA amid aviation workers strike

Kenya Airforce personnel were deployed to assist with the screening of passengers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after aviation workers downed their tools.

This happened as Kenya Airways planned to have two flights depart from JKIA since aviation workers are protesting over management and the planned Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Airways merger.

KQ in a statement said plans were underway for KQ116 to depart to Amsterdam at 10:45hrs while the KQ 100 will leave for London at 11:06hrs.

JKIA at a standstill as workers go on strike Pulse Live Kenya

Flights rescheduled

Earlier on flights that were scheduled to land at JKIA were diverted to Mombasa and others to Tanzania much to the inconvenience of stranded travelers.

KQ had also advised all its passengers scheduled to fly out from 11am Wednesday not to go to the airport until further communication.

The strike has been called to protest against unfair staff hiring, poor remuneration and the proposed takeover of the airport by Kenya Airways (KQ).

It involves ground staff, cargo operators and other support service workers who are members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu).

Grievances

JKIA at a standstill as workers go on strike Pulse Live Kenya

The union, which has a membership of about 10,000, a quarter of whom are KQ employees excluding pilots, says the strike will continue until the KAA and KQ managers are sacked.

“We have withdrawn all our services ranging from security, air traffic control, customer care, ground flight services, equipment operations,” Kawu secretary general Moss Ndiema stated.

However, hours after the strike kicked off Ndiema was arrested at JKIA as anti-riot police engaged the aviation workers in running battles.

Mumbi Mutuko