The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has announced a one-week suspension of their planned strike, which was set to commence on Sunday. This decision comes as the union seeks to thoroughly review documents related to the controversial takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by the Indian conglomerate, Adani Group.
Delay Granted for Document Review
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed the delay in a statement, highlighting the need for additional time to scrutinize the documentation provided by the government concerning the Adani deal. The union’s initial intention to strike stemmed from their opposition to the proposed takeover, which includes plans for significant upgrades to JKIA.
“Our members have decided to delay the strike for seven days to allow us to peruse the documents presented by the government. After this period, we will announce the way forward,” Ndiema said. The decision reflects the union’s commitment to ensuring that all aspects of the deal are transparent and that their concerns are addressed before taking further action.
Concerns Over Adani Group’s Presence
A key issue driving the union’s discontent is the alleged presence of representatives from the Adani Group at JKIA. Ndiema reported sightings of individuals believed to be part of the Adani team conducting stock-taking activities at the airport. This has caused considerable anxiety among workers, who are concerned about the potential implications of these activities on their jobs and working conditions.
“We are receiving complaints about strangers, who are believed to be Adani Group representatives, seen stock-taking at JKIA. If it’s true, that has to stop immediately, as it is creating unnecessary anxiety among our members,” Ndiema added.
The union’s concerns are compounded by a call for a halt to all stakeholder engagements related to the deal. KAWU insists that no further discussions or activities should proceed until they have had adequate time to review the full extent of the documentation provided by the government.
Fact-Finding Mission to India
The controversy surrounding the Adani deal is unfolding against the backdrop of a fact-finding mission scheduled for later this week. A delegation from Kenya, including senior managers from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), is set to visit India to gather more information about the proposed takeover and the plans for upgrading JKIA.
The Indian firm has proposed a comprehensive redevelopment plan for JKIA, which includes the construction of a second runway and a new passenger terminal under a 30-year lease agreement. This ambitious project is seen as a significant boost to the airport’s infrastructure but has faced opposition from various stakeholders, including aviation workers.
Ongoing Demands and Protests
As part of their protest, the aviation workers plan to hold a procession to the KAA offices on Monday. This demonstration is aimed at pressuring the management to release additional documents that the union claims are still missing. Ndiema emphasized that the union has only received a partial set of the requested documents and continues to seek complete transparency.
“We have yet to receive all the documents we demanded from KAA. We have only received a section of the document we requested,” Ndiema said. The union’s demands for full disclosure are central to their opposition to the Adani deal and reflect their broader concerns about the future of Kenyan aviation.
Conclusion
The suspension of the strike provides a temporary respite for the aviation sector, allowing time for further negotiations and document reviews. However, the situation remains fluid, with KAWU’s decision to extend the review period highlighting the need for a careful and transparent approach to the proposed takeover of JKIA. As stakeholders await the results of the fact-finding mission and further developments, the debate over the future of Kenya’s premier airport is set to continue.
