Exporters warn JKIA strike could put Kenya’s fresh produce markets at risk

Kenya’s airport strike is no longer just a travel headache. Fresh produce exporters are warning that prolonged disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) could threaten shipments, farmers’ incomes and the country’s reputation with overseas buyers.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) strike entered its second day on Monday, August 31, with thousands of travellers affected by delays and cancellations at JKIA and other airports. Negotiations between the union and government representatives were continuing.

For Kenya’s horticulture industry, however, the concern is more immediate. Flowers, vegetables, fruits and other perishables often have narrow delivery windows. A missed flight can mean missed connections, delayed orders and produce losing value before it reaches the market.

The Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC) has warned that the disruption could therefore have consequences far beyond passengers stuck at the airport.

“This is not merely an airport inconvenience. It is an economic threat,” FPC president and chief executive Okisegere Ojepat said.

Why exporters are worried

Kenya depends heavily on air freight for some of its highest-value agricultural exports, particularly flowers and other time-sensitive produce.

Exporters say international buyers expect predictable delivery. Repeated disruption at JKIA could make importers question whether Kenyan suppliers can consistently meet agreed schedules.

That is the bigger risk.

A shipment that arrives late may be financially recoverable. Losing a buyer to a more reliable supplier can be much harder to reverse.

The FPC has called for an urgent settlement of the labour dispute, warning that airport reliability is essential to protecting export earnings, farmers and thousands of jobs linked to the agricultural supply chain.

Strike disrupts thousands of journeys

KAWU members working for the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and Jambojet resumed industrial action after an earlier agreement failed to resolve outstanding grievances.

The union has raised concerns over collective bargaining agreements, pay, employment terms, job security and career progression. KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema said workers had returned to the strike after commitments made under a July back-to-work agreement were not adequately implemented.

The dispute has already disrupted operations.

Reuters reported on Monday that thousands of travellers were affected, with some passengers experiencing delays of more than 12 hours.

KAA has acknowledged delays and said it was working with airlines and other aviation agencies to manage the situation. It has advised passengers to check directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport.

Kenya Airways has also reported delays linked to operational constraints within air traffic control services.

The bigger economic question

The latest disruption exposes a vulnerability that goes beyond the current labour dispute.

JKIA is a critical gateway for Kenya’s international trade. When operations become unreliable, the impact can spread from airlines and passengers to exporters, farmers, logistics firms and businesses that depend on predictable international connections.

For the horticulture sector, the message is particularly stark: Kenya can grow world-class produce, but it also has to deliver it on time.

The government and KAWU are therefore under growing pressure to resolve the dispute before temporary flight disruption becomes a wider problem for businesses that depend on JKIA every day.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.