Stranded, frustrated Kenya's airport workers begin strike, ground flights

At Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the Kenya’s Airport Workers Union has initiated a strike that commenced at midnight, leading to significant disruptions at one of Africa’s busiest airports.

Passengers are left stranded, facing numerous flight cancellations and delays, as the workers protest against a controversial proposed takeover by India’s Adani Group.

According to reports from AFP, the situation has escalated, with frustrated travelers forming long queues outside the airport. Many have resorted to sitting on their luggage while vehicles are backed up, attempting to enter the premises.

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Union leader Moses Ndiema has made the workers’ stance clear: the strike will continue until the government withdraws its plan to lease JKIA to Adani for a staggering 30 years. “The strike is on and all shifts have been suspended,” Ndiema declared. He further emphasized the union’s demands, stating, “Adani must go, that is not optional.”

In light of the unfolding situation, Kenya Airways has issued warnings to travelers about significant disruptions, cautioning that further delays and cancellations are likely for both incoming and outgoing flights.

Critics of the proposed $1.85 billion deal with Adani argue that it poses a serious threat to local jobs and could deprive Kenya of essential future revenue. Currently, JKIA is a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, accounting for over five percent of Kenya’s GDP through its passenger and freight services.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have secured a temporary suspension of the deal from the High Court, citing a troubling lack of “transparency” in the leasing process.

Despite the mounting opposition, the Kenyan government stands firm in its defense of the agreement, asserting that it is crucial for the refurbishment of JKIA. The airport, which accommodated 8.8 million passengers and handled 380,000 tonnes of cargo in the fiscal year 2022-23, has been plagued by power outages and infrastructure challenges.

In response to these issues, the Kenya Airport Authority has stated that, under the proposed agreement, Adani would be responsible for adding a second runway and upgrading the passenger terminal, aiming to enhance the airport’s capabilities.