Kenya’s main aviation union has announced plans for a strike starting next Monday in response to a proposed deal with India’s Adani Airport Holdings to develop Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the country’s largest airport. The industrial action could cause significant disruptions at the key East African travel hub.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has voiced concerns that the agreement with Adani Airport Holdings would lead to job losses and the influx of non-Kenyan workers. The union has called on the government to cancel what it describes as the “unlawful intended sale” of JKIA, warning of potential consequences for the local workforce.
In response, the Kenyan government has clarified that JKIA is not for sale and that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership with Adani. The government insists that any deal would be aimed at upgrading the airport and improving its infrastructure, rather than selling it off.
As tensions rise, the strike threat poses a significant challenge to the Kenyan government’s plans for JKIA and could disrupt travel across the region. The aviation union’s concerns highlight the broader issues surrounding foreign investment and job security in Kenya’s key industries.