Operations across key hubs, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport, had ground to a halt after workers downed their tools on Sunday.

The nationwide strike crippled travel schedules, forcing Kenya Airways to report delays of up to six hours, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was pushed to issue a formal apology through Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for the disruption to passengers and businesses.

The breakthrough came early Tuesday morning following high-level discussions at the Ministry of Transport.

Under the newly signed Return-to-Work Agreement, executed jointly by KAWU, the Ministry, KAA, KCAA, and Jambojet, the union called off all industrial action with immediate effect and instructed its members to resume duty.

Central to the resolution is a commitment from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to immediately initiate negotiations with KAWU for a comprehensive Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The KCAA management has bound itself to honor and implement the outcomes of these talks, with salary structures to be negotiated under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines issued on September 1, 2026.

Regarding KAWU’s demand for a formal recognition agreement with regional carrier Jambojet, both parties agreed to hold the matter in abeyance pending a determination by the courts.

With the return-to-work deal officially signed, full operational capacity is expected to be restored across all major Kenyan airports throughout the day.