JKIA operations risk facing disruptions as workers plan to strike over leasing deal 

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has announced plans to deliver a formal seven-day strike notice to the government on August 12, amid a growing dispute over the lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a private operator.

KAWU Secretary General Mos Ndiema disclosed that operations at JKIA would face significant disruption as workers will temporarily halt their duties to present the strike notice.

“The entire airport will be affected. We don't intend to launch a strike on Monday. But we will pull our members out of work for purposes of delivering the strike notice,” Ndiema said.

“Our members, especially from KAA, will not be available for duty for about two to three hours, from around 8 a.m. to around 11 a.m., because they will be joining the procession to their managing director's office where we will deliver a strike notice.”

The strike threat follows KAWU’s earlier call for the government to halt the leasing process involving Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.

The union claims that the government has not adhered to legal requirements for public participation and stakeholder engagement in the leasing decision.

The potential deal of leasing the Airport with the Indian company has sparked public outcry, culminating in a protest dubbed 'Occupy JKIA' on July 23, 2024.

Under review

However, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi denied claims of the deal being finalised, assuring that the proposal from Adani was under review and that due process would be observed.

“This is a public asset, it is a strategic asset and if it was going to be sold, you can only do it after a full public process that Parliament endorses,” Mudavadi said.

He, however, revealed that the government needs Sh260 billion to upgrade JKIA. The renovations include building a new passenger terminal, refurbishing the existing terminals, constructing a second runway and enhancing cargo handling facilities.

Newly appointed Sports, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed the claims of him selling the Airport during his tenure as Transport CS noting that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement deal involves a collective and thorough process that cannot be struck by a single individual, not even one at the stature of a CS.

Appearing before the Committee on Appointments during his vetting, Murkomen said the KAA is currently reviewing the proposal from the Indian firm to assess its suitability, and afterwards will submit the document to a PPP directorate situated in the National Treasury where public views will be considered.

He pointed out that the public would have been informed of the deal during the public participation phase, which was slated to happen in July but was disrupted by the anti-government protests.

Despite this, KAWU remains sceptical, accusing KAA management of conducting secret negotiations.

Ndiema criticised acting KAA Managing Director Henry Ogoye for failing to engage with the union, alleging that he had been promised the position of CEO in exchange for his cooperation.

“Beginning with the acting managing director Henry Ogoye, he has failed to engage us. He is negotiating this deal in secret. We are privy to information that he was promised that he would be given the position of chief executive officer,” Ndiema said.

Ndiema also voiced concerns that the lease could lead to job losses, alleging that Adani intends to take over ground handling operations and reduce the workforce.

“Adani wants to take over the entire ground handling operations, which again will occasion job losses. They want to dilute terms of employment,” he claimed.