Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are set to be disrupted on Monday, August 12, as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) plans to hold a go-slow from 8 AM to 11 AM. This move, announced by KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema, is intended to coincide with the union’s formal issuance of a seven-day strike notice to the government.
The partial shutdown is expected to affect various services at the airport, highlighting the union’s strong opposition to the proposed management takeover by Adani Airport Holdings.
The Union’s Stance Against the Adani Proposal
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has expressed serious concerns over the Kenyan government’s proposal to lease JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. for 30 years. The deal, which includes the construction of a new runway, terminal, and refurbishment of existing infrastructure, is seen by the union as a threat to job security and the livelihoods of thousands of workers. According to Ndiema, the union was not involved in the discussions leading up to the proposal, and they believe that proper public participation has not been conducted. This perceived exclusion has fueled their resistance to the deal.
The union fears that the privatization of JKIA’s management will lead to significant job losses. Ndiema has stated that the move could affect not only the 3,000 employees of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) but also the broader community, impacting up to 20,000 households. This concern over job security is at the heart of the union’s opposition, with KAWU insisting that the government should focus on building a new facility rather than leasing the existing one to a private entity.
Call for Resignations and Government Response
KAWU’s protest is also a direct challenge to the current leadership of the Kenya Airports Authority, whom they accuse of orchestrating the deal with Adani and acting in bad faith. The union has called for the resignation of top KAA officials who are allegedly supporting the privatization move. This demand has added another layer of tension to an already contentious issue.
In response to the union’s concerns, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated that Adani Airport Holdings submitted a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) in March under the Public-Private Partnership Act. The proposal is currently under review, with the government considering it as a solution to JKIA’s capacity issues. Mudavadi highlighted the financial strain the government faces, making it difficult to fund the proposed Ksh 260 billion ($2 billion) expansion of JKIA. The government projects that the airport will need to accommodate at least 30 million passengers annually within the next three decades, a significant increase from its current capacity of 8.6 million.
The Future of JKIA and Aviation in Kenya
The standoff between KAWU and the government over the proposed Adani deal raises critical questions about the future of JKIA and the broader aviation sector in Kenya. The union’s planned go-slow and potential strike underscore the significant labor unrest that could arise if the government proceeds with the privatization without addressing the concerns of the workers.
KAWU argues that the Kenya Airports Authority is fully capable of managing and funding its own expansion projects, pointing to KAA’s valuation of Ksh 1.1 trillion as evidence of its financial strength. The union contends that rather than leasing the facility to a foreign company, the government should focus on empowering KAA to carry out the necessary improvements and expansions.
As the August 12 deadline approaches, the aviation sector, government, and the public will be closely watching the unfolding events at JKIA. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for the management of Kenya’s largest airport and the future of its aviation industry. The union’s actions and the government’s response will likely shape the direction of this critical infrastructure project and set a precedent for how similar proposals are handled in the future.
