Kenya's aviation sector faces potential disruption as the country's largest aviation workers union prepares for a strike. The industrial action, set to commence on September 11, 2024, at midnight, is in response to a proposed agreement involving Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate.
The contentious deal would grant Adani Group a 30-year lease of Kenya's primary airport in exchange for its expansion. This proposal has sparked concerns among workers and led to legal challenges.
Moss Ndiema, the secretary general of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, confirmed the impending strike via text message. The union, representing a significant portion of airport employees, argues that the proposed agreement could result in job losses and the influx of non-Kenyan workers.
Kenya's government maintains that while the airport requires modernization due to operating above capacity, it is not for sale. Officials emphasize that no final decision has been made regarding the public-private partnership proposal. The government stated in July 2024 that Adani Group's offer was under review, assuring that any potential agreement would include safeguards to protect Kenya's national interests.
The situation has already seen legal intervention. On September 9, 2024, a Kenyan court temporarily halted the proposed deal, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the focal point of this controversy, is the largest airport in Kenya and East Africa. Named after Kenya's first president, it serves as a crucial hub for regional and international travel. The airport, which opened in 1958 as Embakasi Airport, has a current capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually.
The proposed deal with Adani Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate founded in 1988, comes as Kenya seeks to improve its infrastructure. The country's aviation industry significantly contributes to its GDP and employment, making decisions about its future particularly sensitive.
As the strike looms, reports indicate that workers have already initiated a go-slow at the main airport. This action could potentially affect flight operations, causing disruptions for travelers and the aviation industry at large.
The Kenya Airports Authority, responsible for managing the country's airports since its establishment in 1991, has not yet commented on the planned strike. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on how the government, union, and Adani Group will navigate this complex issue, balancing economic development with workers' concerns and national interests.
"The strike starts at midnight."
This development highlights the ongoing challenges in Kenya's efforts to modernize its infrastructure while addressing labor concerns and maintaining national sovereignty in key sectors.