Operations at JKIA will continue despite planned strike - KAA assures

Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) now says it has put all necessary measures in place to ensure that operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will continue without any disruptions, despite aviation workers planning to strike starting Monday, August 19, 2024.

"We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service for all passengers and stakeholders at all our airport facilities across the country," KAA said in a statement released today. 

KAA said that it received a strike notice from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), and discussions were underway among stakeholders to reach an agreement on the way forward.

"Discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, KAA management, and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union to reach an amicable agreement," KAA updated. 

On Monday this week, the  Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) announced an intended strike to protest the planned leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a private operator.

KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema said the union would present a seven-day strike notice to oppose the planned public-private deal between JKIA and Indian firm Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.

The union further demanded the resignation of top officials at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the retraction of the Adani contract to avert the impending strike.

Adani Group, multinational conglomerate, headquartered in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo: Handout)

Workers stated they would only engage with the government once the contract is withdrawn and the executives step aside.

Among other issues they claimed have not been addressed is a failure to review the employees' salaries for the past eight years.

They also faulted the administration over their failure to stand up against the proposed lease of JKIA.

"We had given the government and KAA an informal notice to withdraw the Adani deal and make changes to the top management of KAA and KQ," said Ndiema.

On July 30, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi allayed reports claiming that the government signed an agreement with Adani Airports Holdings Limited over upgrading the JKIA infrastructure.

In a clarification on the group's PIP Mudavadi said the proposal by Adani Holdings is currently undergoing due process, including reviews and negotiations in compliance with the Public-Private Partnership Act.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary insisted that the country's interests would be prioritised in the deal.

"For the avoidance of any doubt, all terms and conditions of the proposed arrangement are subject to negotiation in accordance with the provisions of the PPP Act and no terms have been agreed upon yet," Mudavadi said.