Kenya’s primary aviation union has declared plans for a strike starting next Monday, in response to a proposed deal with India’s Adani Airport Holdings to develop Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The union is raising concerns that the agreement could lead to job losses and the influx of non-Kenyan workers, potentially disrupting operations at the key East African aviation hub.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a seven-day strike notice on Monday, urging the government to halt what it describes as the “unlawful intended sale of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings of India.” Despite the union’s claims, the Kenyan government has maintained that the airport is not for sale and no final decision has been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership aimed at upgrading the airport.
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An Adani Group spokesperson was unavailable for immediate comment.
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Potential Impact on National Carrier and Operations
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The impending strike could severely disrupt operations at JKIA, including those of Kenya Airways, the national carrier. Moss Ndiema, Secretary General of KAWU, emphasized that the union might reconsider its strike plans only if the deal with Adani Airport Holdings is completely abandoned. He also called for the resignation of the entire board of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
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In response, KAA confirmed receipt of the strike notice and expressed hope that a resolution could be reached through negotiations. “We are hopeful that a resolution can be reached through negotiation,” said KAA spokesperson Elijah Miano.
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Upgrade Plans and Financial Constraints
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The proposed partnership with Adani Airport Holdings includes plans to add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal at JKIA, which the government says is operating beyond its capacity of 7.5 million passengers per year. The government cited recent incidents, such as leaking roofs, that have caused “international embarrassment,” as evidence of the urgent need for improvements.
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However, the government has also acknowledged financial constraints, stating that the modernization of JKIA could cost up to $2 billion, a sum it currently struggles to fund due to fiscal limitations. While Adani’s offer is under review, the government has promised safeguards to ensure Kenya’s national interests are protected if a deal is finalized.
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The proposed Adani deal has also faced criticism from a nationwide youth-led protest movement, which has raised concerns over the perceived lack of transparency surrounding the agreement. Last month, police prevented protesters from accessing JKIA, where they had planned to shut down operations in opposition to the deal.
