AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT

GOVERNMENT BROKERS AGREEMENT TO END KAWU INDUSTRIAL ACTION, RESTORE NORMAL AVIATION OPERATIONS. The Government has this morning successfully brokered an agreement between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet Limited, bringing to an end the ongoing go-slow and paving the way for the immediate restoration of normal operations across the aviation sector. The agreement was reached after intensive consultations that brought together the key parties and institutions involved in the dispute. The discussions were negotiated with the support of the Cabinet Secretary, Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua. Other senior officials were the Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ms. Teresia Mbaika, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Labour and Skills Development Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions–Kenya (COTU-K), Dr. Francis Atwoli, the Ag. Director General of KCAA, Mr. Nicholas Bodo, the Managing Director/CEO of KAA, Eng Moses Wekesa, the Managing Director/CEO of Jambo Jet Mr. Karanja Ndegwa and the Secretary General, Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), and the leadership of KAWU. The parties agreed that Agency Fees held by the Kenya Airports Authority will be remitted to KAWU immediately. On the outstanding KCAA Collective Bargaining Agreement issues, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has committed to engage the parties within the applicable legal and regulatory framework and with due regard to the respective State Corporations’ ability to pay. The Recognition Agreement matter between KAWU and Jambojet await Courts direction. The parties respect the ongoing judicial process and remain guided by all applicable legal and procedural requirements relating to the matter. In view of the agreement reached, KAWU hereby calls off the industrial action with immediate effect and directs affected employees to resume normal duties. All parties therefore commit to a swift restoration of normal aviation operations, maintaining industrial peace and resolving any outstanding and future grievances through dialogue, conciliation and established legal mechanisms. The parties further agreed that no employee will be victimized or subjected to disciplinary action solely for participating in the industrial action. The Government calls on all parties to honour the Return-to-Work Agreement and uphold professionalism, industrial harmony and uninterrupted aviation services. The Ministry further appreciates the leadership of KAWU, COTU-K, KCAA, KAA, Jambojet, Kenya Airways, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, SRC and all other stakeholders whose engagement contributed to the resolution of the dispute. The Return-to-Work Agreement takes effect immediately.

Today, we celebrated a defining milestone in Kenya's aviation journey with the return of the Boeing 777-300ER to the Kenya Airways fleet. The aircraft immediately strengthens our long-haul operations on the Nairobi–London Heathrow route, expands passenger and cargo capacity, and enhances our ability to connect Kenya to global markets. The additional cargo capacity will provide our exporters, particularly in horticulture, fresh produce, fisheries, and manufacturing, with more reliable access to international markets, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and driving economic growth. As Government, we are complementing this fleet expansion by accelerating the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Through upgraded airfield infrastructure, expanded terminals, modern baggage and security systems, and increased aircraft parking capacity, we are positioning JKIA to grow from handling 7.5 million to approximately 22 million passengers annually while reinforcing Nairobi's status as the preferred gateway to East and Central Africa. At the same time, we remain committed to strengthening Kenya Airways through strategic reforms, a stronger balance sheet, the pursuit of a strategic investor, and policies that will ensure the airline remains commercially sustainable, competitive, and profitable. Kenya is open for business. We are investing in world-class aviation infrastructure, strengthening our national carrier, and building a transport ecosystem that powers trade, tourism, investment, and regional integration.

I witnessed the signing of the Engineer-Consultant Contract for the JKIA Modernisation Project, marking another major milestone in our journey to transform Jomo Kenyatta International Airport into a world-class aviation hub. The contract appoints Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to undertake design review, project management, contract administration, and construction supervision for the proposed design, development, and modernisation of JKIA. Their expertise will be instrumental in delivering a modern, efficient, safe, and sustainable airport that meets global standards. This marks the beginning of a critical implementation phase as we accelerate the delivery of a modern JKIA that will strengthen Kenya's position as Africa's premier aviation gateway and regional air cargo hub. Beyond enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency, this investment will boost trade, tourism, connectivity, and create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

Today, I witnessed the signing of the contract for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Modernization Project, a major National Infrastructure Investment. The contract was signed on behalf of the Government by the Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ms. Teresia Mbaika, and Mr. Yu Xiaodong, General Manager of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The JKIA Modernization Project is a strategic undertaking aimed at expanding airport capacity, enhancing safety, improving passenger and cargo services, and strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading regional aviation hub. The project scope includes the construction of a new terminal building and associated support facilities, the modernization and upgrading of existing infrastructure, the improvement of airside and landside operations, and the enhancement of overall operational efficiency and service delivery. The procurement process has been ongoing over the past three months following the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026. More than 40 companies participated in the pre-bid conference held in April 2026, which clarified the project expectations and scope of work. The process was conducted in full compliance with applicable procurement laws and regulatory requirements, with all submissions evaluated on technical and financial merit. As a Ministry, we remain firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to all required standards as we deliver world-class aviation infrastructure that will position JKIA as a premier gateway to Africa and drive Kenya’s economic growth and competitiveness. I was joined by the Managing Director of the @KenyaAirports, Eng. Moses Wekesa, legal representatives from the Ministry and CRBC, as well as senior officials from the Ministry, CRBC, and KAA.

BRIEF ON STATUS REPORT ON THE PROPOSED DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND MODERNIZATION OF JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JKIA).

The upgraded airport will feature a modern passenger terminal, taxiways, a 1.5KM runway, and world-class aviation infrastructure, positioning the Maasai Mara as a premier global tourism destination and opening up the Maa region to greater economic opportunities.