Kenya Airways Fires 400 Cabin Crew As Covid-19 Bites

By Nsunjo Erica

Kenya Airways has terminated contracts of over 400 employees as Covid-19 continues to hit hard on the airline. The airline has given the employees a one month notice with effect from 31^st July.

“I regret to advise you of Management’s decision to terminate your contract appointment by giving you one (1) month notice with effect from 31^st July 2020” read part of the termination letter to the employees.

Kenya Airways says it is aware of the employees’ dedication and hard work and that it recognizes the intensity of the assessment they went through, but layoff was inevitable.

The Airline Company has also, promised to give its fired employees priority and consider re-hiring them in case an opportunity arises or if the impactful COVID-19 pandemic curve flattens and generates better opportunities.

“The company will give you a priority and consider re-hiring you if and when such a time opportunity arises, subject to all role requirements being made” the termination letter read.

According to the company, fired employees are to undergo an exit medical checkup at the KQ clinic and sign all the necessary discharges upon returning any of the company’s properties in their possession.

Kenya Airways is to pay all its fired employees all their final dues including salary less any amount one may be owing to the company.

Any employee who was in the company’s records as of 31^st July 2020 is eligible to medial cover from the company up to 31^st December 2020 according to Kenya Airways.

Kenya Airways (KQ) resumed its domestic flights on Wednesday 15 July 2020, following the lifting of the restriction of movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa counties as directed by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta.

KQ has been working closely with the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Health and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to implement a wide range of safety measures and protocols as they gear up for the resumption of passenger services.