Striking Kenya Airport Staff to Resume Work

AFP/APP

Nairobi: Employees at Kenya’s main airport have called off their day-long strike, which had stranded thousands of passengers and led to numerous flight cancellations and delays.

The decision to resume work followed an agreement reached with airport management, facilitated by ministry of transport officials and the umbrella trade union organization.

Transport Minister Davis Chirchir announced, “We have agreed. We have an agreement on a return-to-work formula,” at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The strike was initiated by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWI) in response to a planned 30-year lease of JKIA to Indian firm Adani, which includes a $1.85-billion investment. The union opposed the lease, calling for its cancellation.

KAWI leader Moss Ndiema clarified, “We have not said that we have accepted Adani. We will be given veto powers and our signature will be needed for the process to move forward. If it is a bad deal, we will not sign.”

Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, stated that they would review the investment documents within 10 days and address any concerns. He also assured that no worker would face repercussions for participating in the strike.

‘Minimal Operations’

The strike, which began at midnight, caused significant disruption to flights. The Kenya Airports Authority reported that “minimal operations” resumed at 7:00 am (0400 GMT), but Flight Radar data showed ongoing delays and cancellations.

Stranded passenger Elvis Mushengu recounted his experience, saying, “They closed the doors at around midnight. We don’t know who’s doing the screening or what the procedure is. We’ve not slept, we’re just tired.”

Critics of the Adani lease argue it could lead to job losses for local staff and deprive taxpayers of future airport profits. Airport revenues account for more than five percent of Kenya’s GDP.

The Kenyan government has defended the Adani deal as essential for refurbishing JKIA. Deputy government spokesman Gabriel Muthuma stated on X, “This proposal is undergoing thorough due process, including stakeholder engagement, national treasury approval, and cabinet clearance. No terms have been agreed upon, and all aspects are subject to negotiation.”

JKIA, which handled 8.8 million passengers and 380,000 tonnes of cargo in 2022-2023, often suffers from power outages and leaking roofs. Adani’s planned upgrades include a second runway and an improved passenger terminal.

Tourism is a major contributor to Kenya’s economy, representing more than 10 percent of GDP in 2022.

The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission secured a delay on the Adani deal from the High Court on Monday, citing a lack of “transparency.” A date for a final verdict on the deal has yet to be set.