Passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) faced long queues and delayed flights as aviation workers downed their tools in protest against the proposed leasing of Kenya’s largest airport to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group. The strike, organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over the privatization of JKIA, which has drawn sharp criticism from aviation workers and unions.
The industrial action follows a strike notice issued by KAWU on August 12, 2024. In the notice, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema expressed concerns that the JKIA-Adani deal could lead to mass layoffs, the introduction of foreign workers, and the deterioration of working conditions. The union has also called for the resignation of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board of Directors and three senior managers, whom they accuse of incompetence and mishandling the privatization process.
“The proposed deal with Adani Group threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyan workers and compromises the sovereignty of our nation’s flagship airport,” Ndiema stated. “Our demands are clear: abandon the deal entirely, and the KAA leadership must step down to pave the way for competent management that prioritizes the welfare of workers and the interests of the Kenyan public.”
KAWU’s grievances extend beyond the privatization deal itself. The union has also demanded the resignation of two Kenya Airways (KQ) security managers, citing gross misconduct, including allegations of human trafficking, sexual harassment, and unfair promotions within the department. According to KAWU, these allegations highlight a broader issue of poor governance and lack of accountability within the management of both KAA and KQ.
The strike has caused significant disruptions at JKIA, one of Africa’s busiest airports. On Tuesday night, passengers were seen standing in long queues as flight schedules were thrown into disarray. Many travelers expressed frustration at the lack of communication from airlines and airport authorities regarding the delays. Some passengers were stranded for hours, with little information on when their flights would resume.
“I’ve been here for over five hours with no updates on my flight,” said one frustrated passenger. “The queues are long, and there’s no one to assist us. This is unacceptable for an international airport.”
Despite the union’s demands, there has been no significant response from Kenya Airways or KAA. The strike has intensified pressure on the authorities to address the workers’ concerns and find a resolution that prevents further disruptions. However, with the union standing firm on their stance, the deadlock shows no immediate signs of resolution.
KAWU has made it clear that the strike will continue until their demands are met. “We will not reconsider our position until the proposed sale of JKIA is fully abandoned,” Ndiema reiterated. “The resignation of the KAA board, senior managers, and the implicated KQ managers is non-negotiable.”
The ongoing strike highlights broader tensions within Kenya’s aviation sector, where workers have long expressed concerns over job security, management practices, and the impact of privatization. The proposed leasing of JKIA to Adani Group is seen by many as a move that prioritizes profit over the welfare of employees and the integrity of Kenya’s aviation infrastructure.
The situation at JKIA remains fluid, with the possibility of further delays and cancellations if a resolution is not reached soon. For now, passengers and workers alike are caught in the crossfire of a dispute that has brought Kenya’s largest airport to a standstill. As the impasse continues, the future of JKIA and its workers hangs in the balance, with the eyes of the nation and the aviation industry closely watching how the standoff will unfold.
