Government moves to resolve JKIA disruption as fresh produce sector warns of mounting losses
The Government has apologised for the disruption of operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), assuring passengers, airlines, businesses and the aviation industry that it is engaging all parties involved to restore normal operations.
The disruption, which entered its second day on Monday, August 31, 2026, has affected flight and cargo operations at the country’s main international gateway, raising concerns over its impact on trade, tourism and the movement of time-sensitive fresh produce.
In a statement issued on Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the Government recognised the serious disruption and the significant impact it was having on passengers, airlines, businesses and Kenya’s international connectivity.
“The Government is actively engaged with all the parties involved, and discussions are ongoing towards addressing the issues at hand,” the statement said.
The Government said its immediate priority was to facilitate the safe and orderly restoration of normal airport operations while working towards a sustainable resolution of the matters under discussion.
It also urged affected travellers to remain patient and continue liaising with their respective airlines for updates on flights and travel arrangements.
The Government described JKIA as a critical national gateway and an important hub for Kenya’s trade, tourism, investment, diplomacy and regional connectivity, saying the situation was being treated with the urgency and seriousness it required.
It assured the public, aviation industry and international partners that it remained fully engaged in the matter and would continue discussions with relevant stakeholders in good faith.
A further update is expected as the discussions progress.
Fresh produce sector counts the cost
While the Government works to resolve the disruption, the fresh produce industry has warned that continued delays at JKIA are already putting farmers, exporters and workers under increasing pressure.
The Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC) said the disruption had entered its second day with delays of several hours continuing to affect fresh produce shipments.
For an industry dependent on speed, reliability and strict delivery windows, FPC President and CEO Okisegere Ojepat warned that every hour of disruption could have significant consequences.
The consortium identified missed onward connections and delayed deliveries, cancelled orders and lost markets, produce deterioration and potential wastage among the immediate effects of the disruption.
Exporters are also facing stretched storage capacity, lost cargo space and export revenue, while the disruption could erode confidence among international buyers who depend on Kenya for reliable supplies.
The impact extends beyond exporters, with farmers and workers also exposed to potential financial losses when produce cannot reach international markets on schedule.
“JKIA is the critical gateway connecting Kenya’s fresh produce to global markets. When cargo stops moving, the entire value chain pays the price,” FPC said.
Kenya’s horticulture industry relies heavily on airfreight to move flowers, vegetables, fruits and other perishable products to international markets. Unlike non-perishable cargo, fresh produce cannot simply be held indefinitely while operational challenges are resolved.
FPC therefore called on the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to urgently resolve the disruption and restore predictable and efficient cargo operations at JKIA.
“Kenya cannot afford another hour of delays. Our produce cannot wait. Our markets cannot wait,” the consortium said.
The latest disruption has highlighted the vulnerability of Kenya’s export supply chain to interruptions at JKIA, with the airport serving as a critical link between producers and global markets.
As Government and aviation stakeholders continue talks to find a lasting solution, exporters and farmers are hoping for a swift return to normal operations to prevent further losses, protect export markets and maintain the confidence of international buyers in Kenya’s fresh produce.