The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has announced its intention to initiate a strike in response to the proposed leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a private operator.
KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema revealed that the union would issue a seven-day strike notice on Monday, opposing the planned public-private partnership between JKIA and the Indian firm Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.
KAWU criticized the government for bypassing legal requirements for public participation and for excluding its members, who are key stakeholders, from the decision-making process.
Ndiema emphasized that while the strike notice would be served on Monday, the union does not intend to halt operations on that day.
“Our members will continue working, but we will serve the strike notice to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and other organizations within the aviation sector,” he stated.
The union’s demands, which will be formally included in the strike notice, extend beyond the privatization issue. KAWU is also calling for management changes at both the Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Airways.
Ndiema expressed concerns that the privatization of JKIA could lead to significant job losses, as Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. reportedly plans to reduce the workforce and take over ground handling operations, which could also lead to diluted employment terms.
KAWU’s planned action comes amid growing public opposition to the proposed deal with Adani. On July 23, demonstrators organized an “Occupy JKIA” protest in response to reports that the government had “sold” the airport to the Indian company.
In response to public outcry, the government clarified that it is exploring a public-private partnership to modernize the airport, improve passenger experience, and increase traffic.
