Kenya’s airport workers are set to resume their duties following an agreement reached with the government, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, union leader Moss Ndiema, and Cotu chairman Francis Atwoli have announced.
This development means normal operations will restart at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), as well as at airports in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret, where passengers faced disruptions on Wednesday.
Under the new agreement, the government has agreed to allow a thorough examination of documents related to the proposed 30-year lease of JKIA to Indian conglomerate Adani Holdings. CS Chirchir stated that the Adani deal will be presented in court, where the government faces legal challenges, to facilitate public scrutiny.
“We will collaborate to find common ground. We have reached an agreement and are aware of the ongoing court case. We will present all relevant documents in court to ensure transparency,” he explained.
In a statement delivered by Mr. Atwoli, it was confirmed that the aviation workers’ union will have 10 days to review the Adani deal documents before a subsequent meeting with stakeholders is arranged.
“The next steps will be determined based on the outcomes of this review after 10 days,” said Mr. Atwoli.
Additionally, Mr. Atwoli mentioned that the government has agreed to enter salary negotiations with the union and to discuss a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within two months.
Union leader Mr. Ndiema emphasized that while the workers are returning to their duties, this agreement does not imply acceptance of the Adani deal. “We have not endorsed the Adani deal,” he asserted.
