Flights at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been significantly disrupted as workers went on strike to protest against the proposed management takeover by India’s Adani Group. The strike, which began early in the morning, involves ground staff, baggage handlers, security personnel, and other operational teams, causing a near shutdown of operations at Kenya’s busiest airport. Several flights have been delayed, and many others have been canceled or diverted to other airports in the region.
The workers’ union, representing a wide range of airport employees, initiated the strike in response to the Kenyan government’s decision to award the management contract of JKIA to the Adani Group. This decision has sparked widespread concerns among the workforce, who fear that the takeover could lead to massive job losses, pay cuts, and a decline in working conditions. Union leaders have argued that the agreement was made without proper consultation with the employees and has demanded immediate assurances from both the government and Adani Group regarding job security, fair wages, and respect for workers’ rights.
Passengers at the airport have faced long delays, with many stranded in the terminals, and reports of chaotic scenes as some airlines struggled to manage the backlog. Flights operated by Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and other regional carriers were among those affected. The strike has forced some airlines to reroute flights to other airports, including Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which oversees the operation of JKIA, has called for calm and urged the striking workers to return to work while negotiations are underway. The KAA stated that discussions were being held with the workers’ union to address their grievances and to find a solution that would restore normal operations as quickly as possible. However, the union has maintained that it will not call off the strike until it receives concrete guarantees regarding the protection of workers’ jobs and rights.
The protest underscores growing apprehensions among Kenyan workers about the impact of foreign control over key national infrastructure. Critics of the Adani deal argue that foreign management, particularly by a private entity like the Adani Group, could prioritize profit over public interest, potentially leading to job cuts, reduced benefits, and compromised safety standards. Workers are also concerned that the deal could undermine national sovereignty by handing over control of a strategic asset to a foreign corporation.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has defended its decision, arguing that the involvement of the Adani Group is vital for the modernization and expansion of JKIA. The government claims that the partnership will bring in much-needed investment, expertise, and efficiency to improve airport services, boost tourism, and enhance Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub. Officials have reassured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to protect workers’ rights and that the deal with Adani includes provisions for maintaining existing jobs and benefits.
The Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates with significant interests in infrastructure and logistics, has expressed its commitment to enhancing JKIA’s operational standards. In a statement, the group said it aims to improve passenger experience, increase the airport’s capacity, and create new employment opportunities. However, this assurance has done little to quell the fears of the striking workers, who remain skeptical of the group’s intentions and its ability to deliver on its promises.
The strike has also attracted political attention, with opposition leaders and civil society groups voicing support for the workers and calling for greater transparency in the deal. They have accused the government of sidelining key stakeholders, including airport staff, in the decision-making process and have demanded a parliamentary review of the agreement.
The situation remains tense as both sides have yet to reach a resolution. The strike’s continuation threatens to further disrupt air travel, with potential repercussions for Kenya’s tourism industry and broader economy. JKIA is a critical gateway for international travelers and a key hub for cargo traffic in East Africa. Extended disruptions could lead to significant financial losses for airlines, freight companies, and the hospitality sector, compounding the economic challenges Kenya is already facing amid a global economic slowdown.
As negotiations continue, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s aviation sector and its broader relationship with foreign investors. The government and the Adani Group will need to navigate these concerns carefully to ensure that the deal brings the promised benefits without undermining workers’ rights or sparking further unrest.