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| JKIA Entrance |
Tensions are rising in Kenya as the country's main aviation union has announced a potential strike next Monday, threatening to disrupt operations at East Africa's busiest airport. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has voiced strong opposition to a proposed deal between the Kenyan government and India's Adani Airport Holdings, which aims to develop Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The union, representing a significant portion of airport staff, has issued a stern warning that the agreement could result in the loss of Kenyan jobs and an influx of foreign workers. Union Secretary General Moss Ndiema has called on the government to halt what he describes as the "unlawful intended sale" of JKIA to Adani, declaring that the strike will proceed unless the deal is "abandoned in its entirety."
The Kenyan government has countered these claims, asserting that JKIA is not for sale. They have emphasized that the proposal under consideration is a public-private partnership designed to modernize the airport, which is currently overstretched, handling more passengers than its intended capacity of 7.5 million annually. The government has cited ongoing issues, such as leaking roofs, as evidence of the urgent need for upgrades, which they estimate could cost up to $2 billion—a financial burden they are currently unable to shoulder due to fiscal constraints.
Adani Airport Holdings, which was approached for comment, has not yet responded. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which manages JKIA, confirmed receipt of the strike notice and expressed hope for a resolution through negotiations. According to the KAA, Adani’s proposal includes plans to construct a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal, which they argue would significantly enhance the airport's capacity and international standing.
Meanwhile, Kenya Airways, the national carrier, could face significant operational challenges if the strike proceeds. CEO Allan Kilavuka has not commented on the situation.
This proposed partnership has also become a focal point of broader unrest in the country. A youth-led protest movement, which emerged in June in response to proposed tax increases, has criticized the government's handling of the Adani deal, particularly the perceived lack of transparency. Last month, authorities intervened to prevent protesters from reaching JKIA, where they had planned to stage a demonstration against the deal.
As the strike date approaches, all eyes are on the negotiations between the union and the government, with the potential for major disruptions in the nation's aviation sector hanging in the balance.
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