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2 storiesKenya Airways passengers face up to four-hour delays at JKIA due to a workers' strike. Meanwhile, the RBA proposes increased fines and funding freezes for pension default, seeking KRA's help in collection.
A two-day strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) at JKIA, causing flight disruptions, has been called off after a deal was struck with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Separately, President Ruto announced a new partnership framework with Nairobi County, focusing on four key cooperation areas, and directed the creation of a new Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to address security concerns. This follows recent warnings to Governor Sakaja from Senator Sifuna and demands for disclosure from Katiba Institute.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) called off its strike after reaching an agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The strike had entered a second day, causing significant flight disruptions and cancellations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports over unresolved grievances dating back to 2015. Kenya Airways (KQ) had warned passengers of flight delays of up to four hours due to the industrial action. Pilots also raised safety concerns, with the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) warning of increased fatigue risks for flight crews due to unpredictable schedules and extended duty periods, which could potentially compromise flight safety. The calling off of the strike followed the deal reached between KAWU and the government.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja signed a cooperation deal with the National Government at State House on February 17, 2026. President William Ruto clarified that the agreement is a new partnership framework for collaboration on key areas and not a takeover of county functions. Prior to the signing, Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna issued a strong warning to Governor Sakaja regarding the planned agreement. Similarly, the Katiba Institute, a lobby group, formally demanded answers from the governor about the collaboration. Concurrently, President Ruto directed the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to establish a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit within 60 days to address security challenges in the capital.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has signed a cooperation agreement with the national government, allocating 80 billion shillings to Nairobi. This initiative, signed with President William Ruto's government, aims to improve service delivery to residents. As part of the agreement, the national government will take over some of the county's responsibilities, with Governor Sakaja having transferred significant Nairobi City County functions. Governor Sakaja clarified that the deal is not a transfer of functions similar to what occurred during the NMS era. President Ruto stated the agreement is anchored in the Kenyan Constitution and the Inter-governmental Relations Act. The partnership aims to foster collaboration between the two administrative levels.
Kenya Airways passengers face up to four-hour delays at JKIA due to a workers' strike. Meanwhile, the RBA proposes increased fines and funding freezes for pension default, seeking KRA's help in collection.
IEBC and opposition clash over alleged voter register manipulation. Opposition leaders criticize IG Kanja for skipping a security meeting. CSs Tuya and Mvurya were caught in Kiambu local political disputes during a Thika Stadium groundbreaking.
Government builds new Thika Stadium for talent development. Kenyan rugby gains commercial traction. Counties prepare boxing selections to challenge Nairobi ahead of national championships. AFC Leopards captain Victor Omune seeks to end the club's league drought.
A two-day strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) at JKIA, causing flight disruptions and safety concerns from pilots, has been called off after a deal was reached with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Meanwhile, President Ruto announced a new partnership framework with Nairobi County, focusing on four key cooperation areas. This followed warnings to Governor Sakaja from Senator Sifuna and demands for disclosure from Katiba Institute. President Ruto also directed the creation of a new Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to address security.
A strike by airport workers severely disrupted operations across Kenya's airports, particularly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), leading to significant flight delays and cancellations. Passengers at JKIA experienced major disruptions, with many travelers left stranded due to the industrial action by staff of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union called off the nationwide strike on its second day. The decision followed an agreement reached between various government ministries and airport management. Following the cessation of the strike, air travel services and operations at JKIA have significantly improved.
A man identified as Vincent Ayomo, also referred to as Vincent Oyaro, was fatally shot during a political gathering involving the Edwin Sifuna faction in Kitengela, Kajiado County. According to reports, he was shot dead by police after chaos erupted at the political meeting. In a separate incident, police in Nairobi dispersed a political rally of opposition leaders in the city center using tear gas. Following these events, civil society organizations and an umbrella group of election observers have issued warnings about increasing violence and organized thuggery at political rallies. These groups, including the Center for Multiparty Democracy and Mzalendo Trust, voiced significant concern over the incidents occurring over a year before the general elections.
Barcelona suffered a significant blow to their La Liga title defense after losing 2-1 to Girona in a derby match on Monday, February 16, 2026, leaving them two points behind league leaders Real Madrid. In other league news, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is sidelined indefinitely with a groin problem, as announced by the club on Monday. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has downplayed suggestions of dressing room issues ahead of their playoff first leg against domestic rivals Monaco. In a separate fixture, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho addressed rumors of a return to Real Madrid before their UEFA Champions League play-off rematch, confirming he has a contract clause allowing him to leave but stressing it was related to upcoming club elections.
The Kenyan government has initiated the construction of a new 10,000-seater Thika Stadium in Kiambu County as part of its plan to expand sports infrastructure. This development comes as Kenyan counties finalize selections for the Counties Intermediate Boxing Championships, set to begin tomorrow. The boxing trials are intended to challenge Nairobi's dominance ahead of the National Championships scheduled for February 26-28 in Thika. In another major sporting event, the Safari Rally, a leg of the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC), is set to occur in Naivasha from March 12-15. Following his victory at Rally Sweden, Welshman Elfyn Evans will lead a strong group of drivers in the event.
