On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, a protest erupted at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as workers demonstrated against the government’s decision to lease the airport to India’s Adani Group. The controversial 30-year deal, which involves the transfer of control of the country’s busiest airport for less than KSh 300 billion, has sparked outrage among the public and the airport’s workforce. The protest caused widespread disruptions to both international and domestic flights, forcing authorities to intervene with force.
The protest began when a large number of JKIA employees staged a walkout, decrying the potential impact of the lease agreement. The workers expressed fears that the deal would lead to job losses, reduced wages, and the erosion of benefits that have traditionally been offered to airport staff. Many also believe the deal would deprive Kenya of one of its key strategic assets. Demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans condemning the Adani Group, demanding that the government reconsider the terms of the agreement, which they feel heavily favors foreign interests over local concerns.
Police were quickly deployed to the scene to manage the escalating situation. The demonstration, which had started peacefully, turned chaotic as law enforcement officers moved to disperse the crowd. Armed with batons, tear gas, and riot gear, the police clashed with the workers, leading to several injuries and a highly charged atmosphere. Footage shared on social media platforms, including by Citizen TV, showed police officers aggressively striking demonstrators, further fueling public outrage over the handling of the situation.
The heavy-handed police response has drawn criticism from various quarters. Many Kenyans expressed their dismay over the police brutality witnessed at the airport, with some accusing the government of using excessive force to suppress dissent. Critics argue that the workers were exercising their democratic right to protest against a deal that has far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy and labor market.
Public opinion surrounding the Adani deal has been sharply divided. Supporters of the protest have taken to social media to voice their frustration with the government’s decision to lease out a national asset for what they perceive to be a meager investment. Several commentators highlighted concerns about the Adani Group’s labor practices, with some drawing attention to reports of poor working conditions under similar arrangements in other sectors.
One social media user, Vosti Kasomo Kioko, voiced his displeasure, stating, “The corruption we have in this country needs urgent attention. How can you lease our airport just for personal gain?” Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning the fairness of the deal and the potential exploitation of Kenyan workers under Adani’s control. Many have pointed to experiences in industries such as flower farming, where Kenyan employees have long faced issues with low wages and poor working conditions under foreign management.
In response to the unrest, Kenya Airways, the national carrier, issued a public notice alerting passengers of potential flight disruptions. The airline advised travelers to remain patient as the situation continued to unfold and promised to update them on any changes to their flights. Both incoming and outgoing flights were affected, with many passengers stranded at the airport due to the strike.
As the dust settles on the protests, attention has turned to the larger questions surrounding the Adani deal. While the government has promoted the agreement as a critical investment that will modernize JKIA and enhance its operations, opponents argue that the deal undervalues the airport and could undermine national interests. Engineers in Kenya have raised several concerns, including the lack of a concrete proposal to improve or expand the airport’s infrastructure, such as adding a second runway, which has long been needed to boost capacity.
Further complicating matters, a court recently blocked the full implementation of the Adani Group’s takeover, citing the need for further scrutiny of the agreement. Despite the opposition, the Adani Group has already taken steps to establish a presence in Kenya, setting up a local company in anticipation of the deal moving forward.
The JKIA protest is the latest chapter in a growing wave of dissent over the government’s handling of national resources and foreign investment deals. As Kenyans continue to demand transparency and fair treatment, the controversial Adani deal remains a flashpoint for larger debates about economic sovereignty, labor rights, and the role of foreign corporations in Kenya’s future.
