COTU Rejects Plan to Replace Aviation Workers with NYS Personnel

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) (Kenya) has opposed a reported plan to deploy National Youth Service (NYS) personnel to take over roles currently handled by permanent aviation workers, warning that the move threatens labour standards and job security in the sector.

In a statement issued on July 24, 2026, the union said it fully supports the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) in rejecting the reported deployment within the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and other aviation institutions.

According to the statement, the plan assigns NYS personnel to duties traditionally handled by trained and permanently employed aviation staff.

“The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K) expresses its full support and solidarity with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) in its opposition to the reported deployment of National Youth Service (NYS) personnel to undertake duties traditionally performed by permanent aviation workers within the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and other aviation institutions,” read part of the statement.

COTU Supports Youth Employment with Proper Terms

While outlining its position, COTU said it does not oppose the employment of NYS graduates and supports their entry into the labour market.

However, the union insisted that KCAA must follow proper recruitment procedures and offer permanent and pensionable terms where there is a genuine need for additional staff.

“COTU (K) wishes to make it unequivocally clear that we are not opposed to the employment of young men and women who have successfully completed the National Youth Service programme. On the contrary, we strongly support their integration into the labour market. However, where there is a genuine need for additional personnel, KCAA should recruit these NYS graduates into permanent and pensionable positions, subject to the applicable recruitment procedures and qualifications, rather than deploying them under arrangements that deny them employment security, fair remuneration and the full protection of Kenya’s labour laws,” the Union stated.

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Warning Against Replacement of Permanent Jobs

At the same time, the union said institutions must match permanent and continuous roles with permanent employment terms.

It also warned that replacing such roles with low-cost labour arrangements weakens labour standards and puts existing jobs at risk.

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“Workers performing permanent and continuous functions should be employed on permanent terms and conditions of service. It is immoral and illegal for a government institution to outsource or substitute permanent employment with low-cost labour arrangements that weaken labour standards and threaten existing jobs,” the Union added.

Overall, COTU urged public institutions to uphold labour laws and enforce fair employment practices, especially in the aviation sector, where safety, training and experience remain critical.

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COTU issued a statement on July 24, 2026, opposing KCAA’s plan to deploy NYS personnel in aviation roles, backing the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and calling for permanent hiring. PHOTO/ Francis Atwoli X.