airport strike

Passengers at Kenya’s main international airport are stranded following a workers’ demonstration on Wednesday protesting a planned deal between the government and a foreign investor. Since the protest began, all flights have been suspended. The government has proposed a build-and-operate agreement with India’s Adani Group, which would involve renovating Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, constructing an additional runway and terminal, and allowing the group to manage the airport for 30 years. The Kenya Airport Workers Union, which called the strike, argues that the deal would result in job losses and impose “inferior terms and conditions of service” for remaining employees. Kenya Airways announced on Wednesday that flight delays and potential cancellations are expected due to the ongoing strike at Nairobi’s main international airport. Last week, airport workers had initially threatened a strike but suspended their plans to allow for further discussions with the government. Local media reported concerns after unknown individuals were seen moving around with airport officials, taking notes and photographs, leading to speculation that the Indian firm’s representatives were preparing for the deal. On Monday, the High Court issued a temporary injunction halting the implementation of the agreement until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is reviewed.