The ongoing strike by aviation workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has drawn significant public attention, with the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli adding his voice to the matter. Atwoli, a prominent figure in labor issues in Kenya, has placed the blame squarely on former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for what he describes as an avoidable crisis. The strike was triggered by a controversial deal that would see the Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate, take over the management of JKIA for 30 years. The agreement has sparked intense public debate, with concerns about job losses and foreign control over a key national asset.
Speaking at JKIA on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Atwoli expressed his dissatisfaction with how the government, and specifically Murkomen, handled the situation. He claimed that the former CS had refused to meet with aviation workers and address their concerns about the Adani deal. According to Atwoli, this lack of communication and unwillingness to engage with the workers directly led to the current strike, which has caused widespread disruptions to air travel.
Atwoli did not mince words in his criticism of Murkomen, describing him as “arrogant” and accusing him of ignoring attempts to resolve the situation before it escalated. He revealed that he had personally tried to contact Murkomen to discuss the workers’ grievances, but his calls went unanswered. Atwoli emphasized that the workers were seeking clarity on how the deal would affect their jobs and benefits, and all they wanted was an explanation from the government.
“I called the previous CS for Roads and Transport, Murkomen, with a view to trying to educate and advise him to meet with the workers and explain the Adani issue to them. Our ministers are very arrogant; they don’t pick up calls unless they are from businessmen and employers. This is what has brought all this,” Atwoli said during his address at the airport.
The COTU boss went on to accuse the Kenya Kwanza government of failing to prioritize the concerns of ordinary workers, arguing that many Cabinet Secretaries in the current administration are more focused on serving business interests than addressing the needs of the Kenyan workforce. Atwoli warned that if government officials continue to ignore the voices of workers, more industrial actions and unrest could follow. He emphasized the importance of dialogue between the government and workers, stating that such engagement is critical to avoiding unnecessary strikes and disruptions.
The controversy surrounding the Adani deal stems from a plan to lease JKIA to the Indian company for three decades. While the government has promoted the agreement as a strategic move that will attract foreign investment and improve airport infrastructure, critics argue that it is a poor deal for Kenya. Many fear that the agreement will lead to job losses, reduced worker benefits, and the eventual marginalization of local employees. There are also concerns about the transparency of the deal and the true benefits it will bring to the country.
In addition to the labor issues, there is a broader political dimension to the controversy. Opposition figures and civil society groups have also criticized the Adani deal, calling for greater transparency and consultation with stakeholders. They argue that national assets like JKIA should not be handed over to foreign entities without a thorough analysis of the long-term consequences.
The strike by aviation workers has already caused significant disruptions to travel, with both international and domestic flights affected. Kenya Airways, the national carrier, has issued statements warning passengers of delays and flight cancellations. The ongoing strike has also raised concerns about the economic impact, as JKIA is a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic in East Africa. Any prolonged disruption could have severe repercussions for Kenya’s economy, particularly its tourism and business sectors.
As the situation continues to unfold, there are calls from various quarters for the government to step in and address the workers’ concerns before the situation escalates further. Atwoli has urged the government to engage in open dialogue with aviation workers and provide clear answers regarding the Adani deal. He argued that transparent communication and respect for workers’ rights are essential to resolving the crisis and restoring normalcy at JKIA.
Francis Atwoli’s accusations against former Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen highlight the growing tensions between the government and aviation workers over the Adani Group’s takeover of JKIA. The ongoing strike underscores the need for greater transparency and communication in government decisions that affect workers’ livelihoods. The situation at JKIA serves as a reminder of the importance of involving all stakeholders in discussions about national assets and the future of the country’s workforce. Whether the government will heed these calls and engage with workers remains to be seen, but the strike has already set the stage for further confrontations over labor rights and foreign investments in Kenya.
