Kenya aviation workers to strike over airport deal with India’s Adani

Kenya’s main aviation union has announced plans to strike starting next Monday in protest against a proposed agreement with India’s Adani Airport Holdings to develop Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the country’s largest airport. The industrial action could potentially cause significant disruptions in one of East Africa’s busiest travel hubs.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), which represents a broad spectrum of airport workers, including ground staff, engineers, and support personnel, has raised alarm over the potential implications of the deal. The union argues that the proposed partnership, announced last month, would lead to widespread job losses among Kenyan workers and the introduction of non-Kenyan labor into the workforce, a move they consider detrimental to local employment opportunities.

In a strongly worded seven-day strike notice issued on Monday, KAWU demanded the government immediately halt what it described as the “unlawful intended sale of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings.” The union’s leadership warned that if their demands are not met, they would have no choice but to proceed with the strike, which could paralyze operations at the airport, leading to flight cancellations, delays, and a significant economic impact on the region.

The government, however, has refuted claims that the airport is being sold. In a statement released following the union’s announcement, government officials clarified that JKIA is not for sale and that the proposed deal with Adani Airport Holdings is a potential public-private partnership aimed at upgrading and expanding the airport’s facilities to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.

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“The government remains committed to ensuring that any partnership entered into will benefit the country and its citizens. No final decision has been made regarding the proposed partnership with Adani Airport Holdings,” the statement read.

Despite these assurances, the union remains unconvinced. KAWU General Secretary Moses Ndiema argued that the government has not been transparent about the details of the proposed agreement, fueling fears among workers that their jobs and livelihoods are at risk.

“Our members are deeply concerned about their future. The lack of clarity from the government on this matter has only exacerbated these concerns. We cannot stand by and watch as decisions are made behind closed doors that could potentially lead to the displacement of Kenyan workers,” Ndiema said.

The proposed deal with Adani Airport Holdings, a subsidiary of India’s Adani Group, has been touted as a significant step forward in modernizing Kenya’s aviation infrastructure. Supporters of the partnership argue that the investment would bring much-needed improvements to JKIA, boosting its capacity and enhancing its status as a regional hub. However, the opposition from the union highlights the delicate balance the government must strike between attracting foreign investment and protecting local jobs.

As the strike deadline approaches, there is growing concern about the potential disruption to air travel and the broader economic impact on Kenya and the East African region. JKIA is a critical gateway for international trade and tourism, and any prolonged industrial action could have far-reaching consequences.

Industry experts have urged both the government and the union to engage in dialogue to avoid a strike that could harm the country’s economy. “It is in the best interest of all parties to find a mutually agreeable solution that addresses the concerns of the workers while allowing for the necessary development of the airport,” said one aviation analyst.