Kenya Airport Workers Strike
On September 11, 2024, Kenya Airport Workers Strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to protest the Kenyan government’s proposed deal with India’s Adani Group. The strike caused significant disruptions, grounding flights and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Kenya Airways confirmed delays and potential cancellations for both domestic and international routes due to the ongoing unrest.
The controversial 30-year build-operate-transfer agreement with Adani Group would involve renovating JKIA and constructing an additional runway and terminal. However, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) raised concerns that the deal would result in job losses and deteriorating working conditions. The union demanded the government halt the deal and disclose more details about the agreement, which they claim has been shrouded in secrecy.
While Kenya’s government defended the deal as necessary for airport expansion amidst budget constraints, the High Court intervened, temporarily suspending the agreement pending a legal review. The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have also filed a case against the deal. Adani Group representatives are in Nairobi, and a Kenyan delegation recently visited India for due diligence, signaling that negotiations are in advanced stages.
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