KENYA’S largest aviation workers’ union has decided to delay a planned strike by two weeks, initially set to begin on Monday, to allow for negotiations with the government over a controversial deal involving India’s Adani Airport Holdings. The union, which represents workers at the country’s airports, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed agreement, citing concerns about potential job losses and the introduction of non-Kenyan workers.
The proposed deal, announced last month, involves a partnership with Adani Airport Holdings to develop and upgrade Kenya’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The union fears that this agreement could lead to a significant reduction in local jobs and the involvement of foreign labor in key airport operations.
‘The Union has decided to postpone the strike notice, as we are entering into discussions,’ stated Moss Ndiema, the union’s secretary general, on Sunday. Ndiema confirmed that negotiations will take place with the state-run Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Ministry of Transport. He added that if the talks fail to yield a satisfactory agreement, the union is prepared to issue a fresh strike notice for its members.
JKIA is a crucial aviation hub in the region, and a strike by airport workers could cause widespread disruption to air traffic across East Africa. The government’s intervention to postpone the strike highlights the importance of the airport to Kenya’s economy and regional connectivity.
The Kenyan government has assured the public that the airport is not being sold and that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership with Adani. The government’s position is that the agreement is aimed at upgrading and expanding the airport’s facilities to meet growing demand.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority, the proposal from Adani Airport Holdings includes plans to construct a second runway and upgrade the existing passenger terminal at JKIA. The airport, which currently operates beyond its capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually, is in urgent need of improvements. The projected cost of these upgrades is estimated at $2bn.
The union’s concerns have sparked a broader debate about the potential impact of foreign partnerships on local employment and the future of Kenya’s infrastructure development. The outcome of the upcoming negotiations will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how such deals are handled in the future.
As the discussions between the union, the Kenya Airports Authority, and the Ministry of Transport unfold, stakeholders in the aviation industry and the public will be awaiting the resolution of this critical issue. The government’s approach to balancing foreign investment with the protection of local jobs and interests will be a key factor in determining the success of the negotiations.
For now, the strike has been put on hold, but the possibility of future industrial action remains if an agreement cannot be reached. The next two weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of Kenya’s aviation sector and the role that foreign partnerships will play in its development.
