Nairobi: Police Beat Up JKIA Workers Protesting Controversial Adani Deal

• JKIA workers went on strike to protest against the lease of the airport to the Adani Group for the next 30 years
• Police used force to calm the workers whose demonstration had disrupted both local and international travel
• Some Kenyans have responded to the dramatic situation, asking the government to halt the deal as it would deprive Kenyans access to the national facility

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi - Plans to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to India's Adani Group for 30 years for less than KSh 300 billion investment have sparked significant outrage among Kenyans and airport workers.

On Wednesday, September 11, airport staff staged a protest against the proposed Adani takeover, causing disruptions to both international and local travel.

The workers argue that the deal will result in job losses and deny Kenyans the benefits that should accrue from the airport.

In response to the strike, police used force to disperse the protesters. Footage shared by Citizen TV showed a police officer wielding a baton striking a man believed to be a protester.

This incident has raised concerns among some Kenyans about the police's conduct and the government's motives behind leasing a national asset.

Kenyans react to police brutality at JKIA

Vosti Kasomo Kioko replied:

"The corruption we have in this country needs urgent attention. How can you lease our airport just for personal gain? Have you ever worked with an Indian and experienced the kind of workmanship they exploit for Kenyans? God have mercy."

Stephen Wachiya commented:

"I wonder about this government. These Asians don't pay well. Tell them to visit flower companies in Kajiado county you will know how Kenyans are suffering under them. Asian kids hover around in big cars and expensive bicycles while poor Kenyan parents die of herbicides and as low as KSh 5,000 per month. Imagine you are given advance KSh 2,300 taxed the remaining end month taxed again."

Isaac Mauya posed:

"Like seriously, isn't it a right to demonstrate? Why do these police fear thinking?"

Kweli Junior commented:

"Gen Z please go and rescue the JKIA workers police have overcome them hurry up."

Opondo Benson Wafula observed:

"The leadership must use the national resources prudently. We don't need an Asian company with a dented reputation to take over our national strategic facilities like JKIA. What is KSh 280 billion for a country that has an annual budget of over KSh 3.5 trillion annually? Do they mean we can't raise KSh 280 billion for the next 30 years which is the lease period? Some of these government officials signing these corrupt contracts should face mob justice by the citizenry."

KQ announces flight disruptions amid strike

Meanwhile, due to the ongoing demonstrations, Kenya Airways Authority has cautioned Kenyans about flight changes.

The national carrier issued a public notice on Wednesday, September 11, stating that the strike affected departing and arriving passengers.

The airline assured passengers it would continue to monitor the situation and update them on the affected flights.

What else you need to know about Adani Group-JKIA deal

• The court blocked the takeover of the airport by the Indian firm
• Engineers of Kenya listed several concerns with the Adani-JKIA deal, stating that there was no proposal for a runway
• Adani Group set up a company in Kenya despite widespread opposition to the deal

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