The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is actively working with key aviation stakeholders to prevent a potential strike that could disrupt operations at Kenya’s airports. This follows a strike notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), which represents a significant portion of the aviation workforce in the country. The union’s primary concern revolves around a proposed concession deal with India’s Adani Airport Holdings, which they believe could have severe implications for the livelihood of its members and the future of Kenya’s aviation industry.
On August 12, 2024, KAWU issued a seven-day strike notice to the KAA, threatening to withdraw services across various airports in Kenya, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which is the busiest airport in East Africa. The union’s move is in response to a proposal that would see Adani Airport Holdings take over the management of JKIA through a concession agreement. This proposal has sparked significant controversy, with KAWU and other stakeholders raising concerns about the legality of the deal and its potential impact on the aviation sector.
KAWU’s Secretary General, Moss Ndiema, has been vocal in his opposition to the concession proposal, labeling it as illegal and detrimental to the interests of more than 10,000 union members. Ndiema has argued that the KAA does not require external investment to modernize and expand JKIA, citing the authority’s financial stability and capacity to undertake such projects independently. “KAA is one of the most liquid parastatals we have today,” Ndiema stated, emphasizing that the authority has the resources needed to manage and improve the airport without involving foreign entities.
The government, however, has maintained that it is exploring strategic partnerships to facilitate the modernization of JKIA, which includes plans to build a new terminal and runway at an estimated cost of Ksh 260 billion. This modernization effort is seen as crucial for enhancing the airport’s capacity and positioning it as a leading aviation hub in the region. Despite these assurances, KAWU remains unconvinced, viewing the concession proposal as a threat to job security and the autonomy of Kenya’s aviation infrastructure.
In response to the strike notice, the KAA has assured the public and travelers that it has put in place necessary measures to ensure that airport operations continue without disruptions, even if the strike proceeds as planned. The authority has emphasized that it is committed to maintaining normal operations across all its facilities, stating, “In preparations for the potential strike action scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024, the authority has put necessary contingency measures in place to ensure that airport operations continue without disruptions.”
The KAA has also highlighted ongoing discussions involving the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, KAA management, and KAWU. These discussions aim to reach an amicable agreement that addresses the concerns raised by the union while ensuring the continued smooth operation of Kenya’s airports. The authority’s management is hopeful that through dialogue and cooperation, a resolution can be found that satisfies all parties involved.
KAWU’s strike threat has garnered significant attention, not only because of its potential impact on airport operations but also due to the broader implications for Kenya’s aviation industry. The union represents workers from various key entities, including KAA, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCA), Kenya Airways (KQ), Swissport Kenya, Tradewinds Aviation Services, and Eurocraft Agencies. A strike by KAWU members could, therefore, have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from flight schedules to cargo handling and passenger services.
In addition to opposing the concession deal, KAWU has called for the resignation of several top officials at KAA, as well as some officials from Kenya Airways, over their involvement in the proposed agreement with Adani Group. The union’s leadership has expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a lack of transparency and disregard for the interests of Kenyan workers in the negotiations surrounding the concession.
As the deadline for the strike notice approaches, all eyes are on the ongoing negotiations between KAA and KAWU. The outcome of these talks will be critical in determining whether Kenya’s airports will face significant disruptions in the coming days or if a peaceful resolution can be reached. The situation underscores the importance of clear communication and collaboration between government entities, labor unions, and private sector stakeholders in managing public resources and infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Kenya Airports Authority’s efforts to engage with aviation stakeholders and avert the looming strike reflect the complex dynamics at play in the country’s aviation sector. With the future of JKIA and the livelihoods of thousands of workers at stake, the resolution of this issue will have significant implications for the industry and the broader economy. As negotiations continue, stakeholders and the public alike will be watching closely to see how this critical situation unfolds.
