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Murkomen says pilots’ strike is significant blow aimed at new government

Saturday, November 5th, 2022 11:14 | By
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. PHOTO/Courtesy
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. PHOTO/Courtesy

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says he hopes negotiators between the government and Kenya Airways(KQ) can reach new deals to halt an ongoing strike by the pilots.

Speaking after a crisis meeting with KQ, the CS says efforts to stop the strike is a major test for the new administration.

He claimed that it is a timely and pretty significant blow aimed at the new government.

At the same time, Murkomen regrets that the strike has crippled air transport in Kenya and could further snarl commutes outside the country affecting tens of thousands as additional delays or cancellations are possible.

"It's unfair for the pilots to try and test the new administration with the strike. We are hoping that a decision will be reached as soon as possible. About 10,000 passengers have been affected so far," Murkomen said.

The strike poses a potential financial shock to the company as it risks losing millions of money.

"We have 15 planes grounded. The country will lose approximately Ksh 300 million every day if this strike continues," Murkomen added.

Strike notice

Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) had in a statement said its members will begin their industrial strike on Saturday, October 5, after Kenya Airways management failed to address their grievances.

The union, which draws a majority of its membership from the troubled carrier, announced that the strike will take effect from 6:00 am, affecting both inbound and outbound flights.

"Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), the representative voice of all pilots in the country, Kenya Airways included, wishes to inform members of the public that beginning Saturday, 5th November 2022, from 6.00 am local time, there shall be no Kenya Airways aircraft departing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) flown by a KALPA member," KALPA Secretary General Murithi Nyagah said.

 KALPA Secretary General Murithi Nyagah had in a strike notice dated October 19 accused KQ management led by CEO Allan Kilavuka of unilaterally withdrawing the Staff Provident Fund.

The union also accused the national carrier of harassing its officials.

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