Travelers Stranded as JKIA Workers Strike Over Adani Lease Deal
A significant number of travelers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Tuesday following a sudden strike by airport workers. The strike, sparked by concerns over the lease of the airport’s operations to the Adani Group, caused widespread disruption to flights and left many passengers frustrated.
The workers, represented by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), downed their tools in protest of the Kenyan government’s decision to enter into a lease agreement with Adani Group, an Indian multinational. According to the union, the deal lacks transparency, and they fear it could lead to job losses and the privatization of crucial airport services. The union has demanded the government provide more details about the lease and ensure the protection of employees’ rights.
The strike caused major delays at JKIA, as staff responsible for handling baggage, security, and ground services were not on duty. Travelers experienced long waits, with some flights being delayed or canceled altogether. Passengers could be seen queuing for hours, trying to get updates on their travel status while struggling with limited information.
In response to the strike, the government urged patience from the affected travelers and announced it was working to resolve the issue. The Ministry of Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) called for a meeting with union leaders to address the workers’ concerns. The KAA, in a statement, assured the public that the deal would not result in job losses, emphasizing that the lease was designed to improve the airport’s efficiency and services.
KAWU remains firm in its stance, calling for the suspension of the lease until a thorough consultation process is carried out. The union has also asked for guarantees on job security, fair wages, and the role of the Adani Group in the future of JKIA operations.
As negotiations continue, travelers have been advised to check for updates on their flights before heading to the airport. It is unclear how long the strike will last, but the affected passengers hope for a swift resolution.