KAA-Adani Deal Woes: List Of Kenya's Major International, Other Airports Affected By Workers Strike

• Hundreds of passengers remained stranded across major airports in Kenya following airport workers strike
• The workers challenged the proposal by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to an Indian firm
• The strike resulted in flight delays and cancellations by major airlines, including Kenya Airways, which affected travel even in Tanzania

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Hundreds of passengers have remained stranded for the better part of Wednesday, September 11, at major international airports.

This followed the Kenya Airports Workers Union (KAWU) strike to challenge the controversial lease deal between Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Indian-based firm Adani Group.

KAA and the government held a stakeholder engagement session on August 20, 2024, to address workers' concerns.

The authority noted that Adani Airport Holdings' proposal is currently undergoing technical, financial, and legal reviews.

Which Kenyan airports were affected?

1. JKIA, Nairobi

The strike kicked off at midnight on Wednesday, September 11, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at JKIA as airport workers downed their tools, leading to a commotion.

The strike disrupted travel plans for many passengers, with videos of the chaos being widely circulated online.

Kenya Airways reported delays and possible cancellation of flights following the strike.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was among the passengers stranded at JKIA following the strike.

2. Moi International Airport, Mombasa

KAA workers at Moi International Airport in Mombasa also staged protests and grounding operations.

Hundreds of passengers travelling to various destinations within and outside the country were affected.

3. Kisumu International Airport

Operations at Kisumu International Airport were also grounded as workers joined their colleagues at JKIA in the strike.

They argued that the Adani Airport Holdings deal will harm their jobs and welfare.

4. Eldoret Airport

Eldoret Airport also reported disruption in operations after workers joined their fellows at JKIA.

Stranded passengers urged the government to address the aviation workers' strike issues.

They lamented over missing their important business appointments scheduled for the day.

Other airports affected by KAA workers' strike

5. Nyerere International Airport

In neighbouring Tanzania, passengers remained stranded after most airlines cancelled flights to JKIA.

Kenya Airways, in its notice to customers, stated that the strike affected both departing and arriving passengers.

What's the situation at Kenya's aiports

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said the strike was against a court order, noting that it is in talks with relevant parties to avert the situation.

According to the authority, the workers paralysed airport operations, but normalcy had resumed as of 7am.

KAA apologised for any inconvenience and appreciated customer patience and understanding during the disruption.

What to know about JKIA lease deal with Adani

• KAWU members raised concerns that leasing JKIA to Adani could result in job losses, reduced benefits, and worsened working conditions.
• The High Court issued conservatory orders against the implementation of the lease deal.
• According to the deal, Adani Group would retain an 18% equity stake in JKIA's operations, giving it a concession fee of KSh 6 billion, with a 10% increase every five years.
• The company issued its proposal to KAA in March 2024, and the government approved relevant aviation policies in June, giving it the go-ahead on the planned expansion.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke