Aviation Staff Calls Off Strike against Adani Group in Kenya

NAIROBI- Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) postponed their planned strike against Adani Group for seven days, originally set to begin on September 1 (Today).

The decision allows union members to review government documents regarding the Adani Group’s proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) operations.

Photo: By li yong – Flickr: 内罗毕, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30483722

Aviation Staff Postpones Strike Against Adani

Kawu Secretary General Moss Ndiema announced the delay, citing the need to thoroughly examine the presented documents before determining future actions. The union opposes the Indian firm Adani Group’s potential management of JKIA.

Ndiema raised concerns about unidentified individuals, believed to be Adani Group representatives, conducting stock-taking at JKIA. He emphasized that such activities must cease immediately due to the anxiety they create among workers.

The union demands a halt to all stakeholder engagements related to the Adani deal during their document review period. This request comes as a Kenyan delegation, including senior Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) managers, prepares for a fact-finding mission to India.

Kawu’s statement on social media platform X confirmed the seven-day strike postponement. The union intends to use this time to comprehend the government’s proposals and formulate documented demands regarding the Adani Public-Private Partnership (PPP) plan.

Kawu Secretary General Moss Ndiema stated they have received only partial documentation.

Photo: IndiGo

$2 Billion Redevelopment Project

The Adani Group proposes a Sh246 billion upgrade for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under a 30-year build-operate-transfer contract. Plans include constructing a second runway, a new passenger terminal, and extensive renovations, The Star Kenya reported.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir defended the deal before Parliament, citing government financial constraints and JKIA’s overcapacity. The government estimates modernizing JKIA could cost $2 billion, exceeding current fiscal capabilities.

Chirchir emphasized the deal’s potential benefits, framing it as an off-balance sheet upgrade allowing private sector involvement at competitive costs. He questioned the feasibility of government-funded improvements given the current economic climate.

Kawu contests the government’s stance, arguing that KAA, as a profitable parastatal, should handle JKIA’s refurbishment. The union questions the necessity of a public-private partnership given KAA’s financial resources.

The Adani deal would grant the Indian firm responsibility for developing and operating JKIA, East Africa’s busiest airport. The government maintains this upgrade is crucial, as JKIA currently operates beyond its 7.5 million annual passenger capacity.

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