Passengers Stranded as JKIA Workers Protest Adani Takeover

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya has been plunged into chaos as airport staff have initiated a strike protesting the government's controversial plans to lease the facility to Adani Enterprises, an Indian company.

The strike, which commenced at midnight, has resulted in significant disruptions and grounded flights that have left numerous travellers stranded and uncertain about their travel arrangements. The Kenya Airport Workers Union (KAWU) announced the strike following unsuccessful negotiations with the government regarding the proposed lease. KAWU's Secretary-General Mr. Ndiema cites the government's failure to meet their demands, which included full disclosure of the lease details and halting a planned delegation's trip to India to advance the agreement.

The proposed deal involves Adani Enterprises upgrading JKIA under a 30-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract, including the construction of a second runway and a new passenger terminal. Workers have expressed concerns about job security and the presence of Adani employees at the airport who have been observed conducting stock assessments and taking photographs. These activities have raised suspicions that the lease program is progressing without adequate input from workers or public participation. The union had previously threatened to strike but postponed their plans following a high-stakes meeting with the government at State House.

During this meeting, they voiced concerns about the presence of unfamiliar individuals, presumed to be Adani employees, moving around JKIA with senior security personnel from the Kenya Airport Authority. The strike has caused significant disruptions at JKIA with Kenya Airways announcing potential flight delays and cancellations. The airline has urged passengers to verify their flight status and make alternative arrangements where possible. This industrial action comes on the heels of a High Court decision to temporarily halt the proposed leasing of JKIA.

The court's intervention followed a suit filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) challenging the plan to lease the airport to Adani Enterprises. These organizations argue that JKIA is a strategic and profitable national asset that should not be handed over to a foreign company without thorough scrutiny and public participation.