Hundreds of passengers have been left stranded at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a strike by aviation workers protesting a proposed 30-year lease of the airport to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group. The strike, which began on Wednesday morning, has caused significant disruptions with numerous flight delays and cancellations.
The aviation workers’ union has voiced strong opposition to the planned lease, citing concerns over potential job losses and the overall impact on employment within the sector. The government, however, has defended the deal, asserting that JKIA is operating beyond its capacity and that private investment is crucial for necessary upgrades and improvements.
As the strike continues, passengers have been seen waiting outside the airport, sitting on their luggage as they navigate the chaos. By 7:00 AM, minimal operations had resumed, according to an airport statement. “We are engaging relevant parties to normalize operations. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time,” the statement read.
The union’s walkout comes after repeated calls for transparency regarding the details of the lease agreement, which have not been fully disclosed by the government. Both the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have criticized the proposed deal, arguing that leasing a strategic national asset to a private entity is unreasonable.
In response to these concerns, the two organizations have challenged the lease in the High Court. The court has temporarily halted the deal pending a judicial review, with a final decision yet to be scheduled. The ongoing legal and industrial action underscores the contentious nature of the proposed lease and its implications for Kenya’s key international gateway.
