Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Stranded Following Workers’ Demonstration Against Government-Adani Group Deal

Thousands of passengers using Kenya’s main international airport are currently stranded due to a demonstration by workers against a planned deal between the government and a foreign investor. The airport, which serves Nairobi, has remained grounded since the demonstration began on Wednesday.

According to the government, the build-and-operate agreement with India’s Adani Group would see the airport renovated, with an additional runway and terminal constructed. In exchange, the group would run the airport for 30 years. However, the Kenya Airport Workers Union is strongly opposed to the deal, citing concerns that it would lead to job losses and “inferior terms and conditions of service” for those who would remain.

Kenya Airways has announced that there will be flight delays and possible cancellations due to the ongoing strike. The union had threatened to go on strike last week, but plans were put on hold pending discussions with the government. Local media outlets reported that the spotting of unknown people moving around with airport officials taking notes and photographs raised concerns that the Indian firm officials were readying for the deal.

The High Court has temporarily halted the implementation of the deal until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard. The court’s decision is seen as a significant setback for the government and the Adani Group, and may provide a window of opportunity for the union and other stakeholders to negotiate a more favorable agreement.

As the situation continues to unfold, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and cancellations. The strike is likely to have significant implications for the airport’s operations and the wider economy.