Kenya: Aviation authority assures smooth operations amid looming union strike

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced on Friday that it has implemented contingency measures to ensure airport operations remain unaffected by an impending strike from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) set to commence on August 19.

The KAWU, which represents employees at various airports and the national airline, Kenya Airways, has declared its intent to initiate industrial action over concerns related to a proposed partnership with India’s Adani Airports Holdings.

This partnership aims to develop what would become the largest airport in Kenya, located in the capital city of Nairobi.

Union leaders fear that this deal could jeopardize local jobs and pave the way for the influx of non-Kenyan laborers. In their strike notice, they labeled the arrangement as the “intended sale” of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, stoking fears of significant employment losses for Kenyan workers.

In response, the Kenyan government has firmly stated that the airport is not for sale and clarified that no final decisions have been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership aimed at upgrading this vital East African travel hub.

The KAA emphasized that constructive discussions are currently underway among key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, KAA Management, and KAWU, with the goal of reaching a mutually agreeable resolution.