Kenya's Airports Authority Prepares Contingency Plan Amid Union Strike Threat Over Adani Deal

The Kenya Airports Authority has put in place contingency measures to avert disruptions from a planned strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which is protesting a proposed partnership with India's Adani Airports Holdings to develop Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The union fears job losses and non-Kenyan employees.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced on Friday that it has implemented contingency measures to prevent an upcoming strike by the main aviation union from disrupting airport operations. The strike is set to commence on August 19.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which represents airport and Kenya Airways employees, revealed plans for industrial action in opposition to a proposed agreement with India's Adani Airports Holdings. This deal aims to develop Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The union criticized the deal, fearing it would result in job losses and the introduction of non-Kenyan workers, describing it in a strike notice as an 'intended sale'.

Kenya's government countered these claims, stating that the airport is not for sale and no final decision has been made regarding the supposed public-private partnership intended to upgrade the airport. 'Discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, KAA Management and Kenya Aviation Workers Union to reach an amicable agreement,' the airports authority stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)