Flights in and out of Kenya's main airport are being delayed following a planned strike by aviation industry workers, the national airline and airports authority have said.

Departing flights from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - one of Africa's busiest transport hubs - have been delayed by up to four hours.

Some passengers say they have remained seated inside aircraft for extended periods, as pilots wait for clearance to take off.

In a statement, Kenya Airways said it was experiencing "air traffic control operational delays affecting certain departures and arrivals". It added that it was working with authorities to minimise disruptions and maintain safe operations.

"Passengers are advised to expect possible schedule adjustments, including delays," the airline said, while apologising for the inconvenience.