Aviation Workers Protest JKIA Lease to Indian Firm

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, numerous travelers faced disruptions at JKIA as aviation workers initiated a go-slow protest. The protest was sparked by opposition to the proposed lease of the airport to an Indian company. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) is pushing for the resignation of the board of directors, accusing them of mismanaging the deal to lease JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings, an Indian firm.

KAWU had previously issued a strike notice on August 12, 2024, warning that employees of Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority would stop work if their demands were not addressed within a week. The union expressed disappointment over the board’s inaction and criticized their failure to protect a critical national asset, moving ahead with the agreement without ensuring transparency.

Meanwhile, Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has called for the immediate release of aviation workers detained during the protests. Addressing the situation at JKIA, Atwoli stated his intent to engage with the government to resolve the matter. He also condemned the government for not involving aviation workers in discussions regarding the lease deal, which would see Adani manage the airport for 30 years.