Kenya’s aviation sector is facing disruption due to plans for a strike announced by the main aviation union in response to a controversial deal between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Airport Holdings. This deal aims to develop Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the nation’s busiest airport. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has strongly opposed the proposed agreement, citing concerns over job security and the potential involvement of non-Kenyan workers. The union believes that the deal with Adani Airport Holdings could lead to job losses for Kenyan workers and outsourcing of key positions to foreign personnel.
In response, KAWU has issued a strike notice and called for the government to cancel the intended sale of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings of India. The union has made it clear that unless the deal is completely abandoned, industrial action will commence on Monday, potentially causing widespread disruption at the airport.
The Kenyan government has rebutted the union’s claims, stating that the airport is not for sale. They argue that the proposed partnership with Adani Airport Holdings is intended as a public-private partnership (PPP) to upgrade JKIA, rather than a sale of the facility. The government asserts that the airport urgently needs modernization to maintain its status as a key regional hub, as it currently operates beyond its designed capacity. The proposed upgrade, including the construction of a second runway and enhancement of passenger terminals, is expected to cost around $2 billion.
The proposed deal with Adani has ignited widespread debate and concern within Kenya, particularly among those in the aviation industry. KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema has been vocal in his opposition, stating that the union will only reconsider its strike plans if the Adani deal is abandoned completely. Ndiema has also called for the resignation of the entire board of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which he holds responsible for pursuing the agreement.
Kenya Airways, the national carrier, could be severely impacted by any strike action as it heavily relies on JKIA as its primary base of operations. The government has emphasized that the proposed deal with Adani is still under review and no final decision has been made. They have assured the public that any agreement would include safeguards to protect Kenya’s national interests. However, the controversy surrounding the deal has been compounded by a perceived lack of transparency, with critics accusing the government of pushing through the agreement without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
The proposed partnership with Adani has drawn criticism from a nationwide youth-led protest movement that has been active since June. The movement, initially emerged in opposition to proposed tax hikes, has now broadened its focus to include concerns about the government’s handling of the Adani deal. Protesters have expressed frustration with what they see as a lack of openness and accountability in the government’s negotiations with the Indian company.
Last month, tensions escalated when police blocked protesters from accessing JKIA, where they had planned to stage a demonstration aimed at shutting down the airport. This incident highlighted the high stakes involved in the ongoing dispute and the deep-seated concerns among many Kenyans about the potential consequences of the Adani deal.
The government has argued that the modernization of JKIA is necessary to avoid further international embarrassment, pointing to recent incidents such as leaking roofs at the airport as evidence of the urgent need for upgrades. Officials have stressed that improving the airport’s infrastructure is crucial for maintaining Kenya’s position as a leading travel and trade hub in East Africa. However, the financial realities facing the government have led to the exploration of public-private partnerships as a means of funding these improvements.
Adani Airport Holdings, a subsidiary of India’s Adani Group, is no stranger to large-scale infrastructure projects. The company operates several airports in India and has been expanding its footprint internationally. However, the proposed deal with Kenya has raised concerns about the potential for foreign control over a key national asset. These concerns have been amplified by the union’s warnings about job losses and the displacement of Kenyan workers by foreign personnel.
