Aviation Workers Protest Adani Deal at JKIA, Flight Delays Reported

Aviation workers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi held a demonstration against a Public Private Partnership (PPP) that would see India-based Adani Group Holdings take over operations at East Africa’s busiest airport. The protest, which took place early in the morning, caused flight delays as workers left their posts to participate in the march.

Armed with placards, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) staff voiced their opposition to the proposed partnership, citing concerns about job security and the potential displacement of local workers by foreign employees under the new management. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has expressed similar sentiments, arguing that the deal could negatively impact Kenyan workers, compromising their jobs and livelihoods.

The protest occurred despite an announcement by KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema, who had called for a seven-day postponement of any industrial action to allow time for further review of the lease deal. Ndiema emphasized the need for dialogue and a careful assessment of the implications of the PPP, which he argued should not come at the expense of local workers’ jobs.

The protest follows President William Ruto’s remarks on July 28, where he defended the PPP arrangement. In his address, President Ruto emphasized the need for investment to improve the airport’s infrastructure, pointing out that JKIA’s current state is far from ideal. He underscored the importance of partnerships with investors who can work alongside the government to enhance the airport’s capacity and service delivery.

“Let’s be honest Kenyans, the airport we have in Nairobi is made of canvas. This is a temporary structure we built almost 7 years ago. Ethiopia has a brand new airport. Rwanda the same. It is the reason why we need to work with investors to have a new airport in Nairobi,” President Ruto stated, referring to the temporary tent structures that have housed parts of JKIA since a fire damaged the main terminal in 2013.

President Ruto’s comments were seen as an effort to assuage public concerns, especially among the younger generation of Kenyans who have been vocal about government accountability and transparency in public deals. The President emphasized that the goal of the partnership is to expand the airport and improve services, ensuring that JKIA can better serve Kenyans and compete with other modern airports in the region.

However, the KAA staff and KAWU members remain unconvinced. They argue that the involvement of foreign entities like Adani Group Holdings could lead to a loss of control over critical national infrastructure and a reduction in local employment opportunities. Their protest underscores broader concerns about foreign investments and the potential erosion of local benefits, a theme that has resonated in various sectors across the country.

Monday’s demonstration at JKIA disrupted airport operations, with several flights delayed as workers joined the march. Passengers reported significant inconveniences, and the delays highlighted the critical role of aviation staff in maintaining the smooth functioning of airport operations. The protest is part of a broader pushback against perceived threats to local jobs and national sovereignty in strategic sectors of the economy.

As the seven-day postponement period for the strike unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further dialogue between the government, KAA staff, and KAWU will lead to a resolution. For now, the aviation workers’ protest serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in balancing investment needs with the protection of local interests. The situation at JKIA is a developing story, and stakeholders will be closely watching the government’s next steps in managing both the public-private partnership and the concerns of its aviation workforce.