Standstill at JKIA as airport workers hold anti-Adani protest

Airport operations disrupted as workers protest against proposed Adani Group deal

Protesters say the deal will lead to job losses and privatization of key infrastructure

Operations at Kenya's main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), have been disrupted following a protest by airport workers against a proposed deal that would see the Indian conglomerate Adani Group take over management of the facility.

The workers, who are represented by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), are opposed to the deal, which they say will lead to job losses and the privatization of key infrastructure.

The protest has caused delays and cancellations of flights, with passengers being advised to check with their airlines for the latest information.

Background of the Adani Group deal

In December 2021, the Kenyan government announced that it had reached an agreement with the Adani Group to lease and operate JKIA for a period of 25 years.

The deal, which is still subject to regulatory approval, has been met with opposition from various quarters, including the KAWU and other labor unions.

KAWU's concerns about the Adani Group deal

KAWU has raised several concerns about the Adani Group deal, including:

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Job losses: The union claims that the deal will lead to job losses, as Adani Group is expected to bring in its own staff to manage JKIA.

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Privatization of key infrastructure: The union argues that the deal will lead to the privatization of key infrastructure, which should remain under government control.

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Lack of transparency: The union has also criticized the government for lack of transparency in the deal, saying that it was not consulted before the agreement was reached with Adani Group.

Government's response to KAWU's concerns

The Kenyan government has defended the Adani Group deal, saying that it will bring in much-needed investment and expertise to modernize JKIA.

The government has also said that it will work with KAWU to address the union's concerns, but it has not provided any concrete assurances on job security or the privatization of key infrastructure.

Impact of the protest on airport operations

The protest by airport workers has had a significant impact on airport operations, with delays and cancellations of flights.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on their flights.

Conclusion

The protest by airport workers against the proposed Adani Group deal highlights the concerns of labor unions and other stakeholders about the privatization of key infrastructure and the potential impact on jobs.

The government will need to address these concerns if it wants to ensure the smooth implementation of the deal.