On September 11, 2024, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi experienced a complete shutdown as airport workers initiated a strike in protest against the government’s controversial plan to lease the airport to India’s Adani Group for a period of 30 years. This protest has left hundreds of travelers stranded, causing significant disruptions in air travel.
Background of the Strike
The Kenya Airport Workers Union (KAWU) announced the indefinite strike at midnight, citing the government’s failure to provide transparency regarding the lease agreement. The deal includes a proposed investment of $1.8 billion from Adani to upgrade the airport, which would involve constructing a new runway and terminal. However, workers expressed concerns that this agreement could lead to mass layoffs and inferior working conditions for those who remain employed.
Previously, workers had threatened to strike but had postponed their plans after discussions with the government. They demanded full disclosure of the lease details, halting of activities by unidentified individuals reportedly linked to Adani, and a stop to a planned delegation’s trip to India until public consultations were conducted. The union’s leadership emphasized that the government’s lack of responsiveness to these demands forced them to proceed with the strike.
Impact on Travelers
The strike has resulted in widespread chaos at JKIA, with many flights delayed or canceled. Passengers have been seen sitting on their luggage and forming long queues as they await updates on their travel plans. Kenya Airways issued warnings about potential disruptions, and images circulating on social media depict frustrated travelers trying to navigate the confusion.
Legal Challenges and Public Opposition
The situation escalated further when the High Court temporarily halted the implementation of the lease agreement, responding to a lawsuit filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Law Society of Kenya. These organizations argue that leasing JKIA, a strategic national asset, lacks transparency and violates principles of good governance. They assert that the deal could undermine local employment and public accountability.
Union’s Concerns
KAWU has raised alarms about the potential job losses that could result from the Adani deal. They claim that the agreement may lead to the replacement of local workers with foreign employees, and those who remain might face reduced terms and conditions of service. The union has called for the resignation of the airport’s Board of Directors, accusing them of incompetence in managing the airport’s affairs.
Government’s Stance
Despite the protests and legal challenges, the Kenyan government defends the lease as a necessary step to modernize JKIA, which has been struggling with infrastructure issues. The government argues that private investment is essential for upgrading the airport to meet growing passenger demands.
As the strike continues, the situation at JKIA remains tense, with workers determined to voice their opposition to the Adani lease. The protest highlights broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and the future of employment in Kenya’s aviation sector. The outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for the airport, its workers, and the country’s approach to public-private partnerships in critical infrastructure.
