In the early hours of Thursday morning, the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team, touched down in Nairobi after enduring significant delays due to a go-slow strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The team’s return journey from South Africa was marred by the industrial action that severely disrupted flight schedules at the country’s primary international gateway.
The Harambee Stars had been set to depart Johannesburg at noon on Wednesday, but the strike caused a series of delays. Initially, their departure was pushed to 5 p.m. as the chaos at JKIA unfolded. However, as the situation worsened, the flight was delayed further, with the new departure time set for 10 p.m. The resolution came only after a return-to-work agreement was brokered between the striking workers and government officials from the Ministry of Transport, allowing airport operations to resume.
The strike, organized by the Aviation Workers Union, began at midnight on Wednesday and led to a tense standoff between police and striking workers. Videos circulating on social media depicted scenes of police using physical force to disperse the protesters, further exacerbating the situation at the airport.
The Harambee Stars had been stationed in Johannesburg since Saturday, having traveled from Uganda where they played a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The team’s stay in South Africa was intended to prepare for their next AFCON qualifier match against Namibia, which proved to be a hard-fought encounter. Despite Namibia’s dominance for much of the game, the Kenyan side managed to secure a 2-1 victory, a result that has significantly boosted their standing in Group J of the qualifiers.
This important win not only highlighted the team’s resilience but also propelled them to the top of their qualifying group. The Harambee Stars will now turn their focus to the upcoming fixtures, with a challenging doubleheader against Cameroon on the horizon. Cameroon, known for their strong footballing pedigree, presents a formidable challenge for the Kenyan team.
Head coach Engin Firat, despite the disruptions and the demanding fixtures ahead, remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. Firat has expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness to face the five-time African champions. “We’ve had a tough few days with the delays and the challenging travel conditions,” Firat noted. “However, our team has shown great character and determination. We are well-prepared and looking forward to the upcoming matches against Cameroon.”
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The Harambee Stars’ return to Kenya marks the end of a tumultuous period for the team, who faced significant logistical hurdles while preparing for their AFCON qualifiers. The victory over Namibia has provided a morale boost and reaffirmed their position as strong contenders in the qualification campaign.
Looking ahead, the fixtures against Cameroon will be critical in determining Kenya’s progression to the next stage of the qualifiers. The team will need to maintain their form and capitalize on the momentum gained from their recent win. As they gear up for these crucial matches, the support of their fans will be pivotal in ensuring a successful outcome.
The ongoing saga of the JKIA strike serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing not just sports teams but also various sectors reliant on efficient airport operations. For the Harambee Stars, the resolution of the strike and their return to Kenya is a welcome development as they shift their focus back to their footballing goals.
With the team’s determination and Firat’s strategic guidance, the Harambee Stars are poised to tackle the upcoming challenges head-on, aiming to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and further enhance their standing in African football.
