In Nairobi, Kenya, hundreds of employees at the main international airport staged a protest on Wednesday opposing a proposed agreement between the government and a foreign investor. This demonstration has caused flights to be grounded, leaving many passengers stranded at the airport.
The government intends to enter a build-and-operate contract with India’s Adani Group, aimed at modernizing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by constructing a new runway and terminal. In return, the Adani Group would manage the airport for a period of 30 years.
The Kenya Airport Workers Union organized the strike, expressing concerns that the deal could result in job cuts and unfavorable working conditions for remaining employees. As a result of the ongoing strike, Kenya Airways has warned of flight delays and potential cancellations.
The impact of the strike is noticeable on domestic flights from cities like Mombasa and Kisumu, with reports of delays. At the airport, police officers have taken on security responsibilities, causing long queues and unease among passengers uncertain about their flight statuses.
The Kenya Airports Authority issued a statement, stating efforts to normalize operations and advising passengers to contact airlines for flight updates. The Central Organization of Trade Unions’ secretary-general, Francis Atwoli, criticized the government, suggesting that the strike could have been avoided if worker concerns had been addressed.
Last week, the airport staff had threatened a strike, which was temporarily averted for discussions with authorities. Reports emerged of unknown individuals observed alongside airport personnel, sparking suspicions that the Indian company was preparing for the deal.
The High Court intervened on Monday by temporarily halting the deal’s implementation until a legal case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.
