Kenya aviation workers to go on strike next month after talks with Gov't flop

Kenya aviation workers have threatened to go on strike from September 1, 2024 after talks with the government over the planned leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) hit a deadlock.

The workers are opposed to the proposal by the Indian firm Adani Group to take over the running of JKIA.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed that talks with the Ministry of Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) have failed to bear fruits.

Mr. Ndiema said the KAA has so far failed to avail the relevant documents in relation to the proposed deal, forcing them to go on with their strike plans. 

The union members insist that KAA can take charge of the refurbishment of the airport and not the foreign firm.

Further, they have called for the resignation of top KAA management including the Board over failure to involve workers in the takeover deal.

The Indian firm has proposed to upgrade the airport, including the construction of a second runway and a new passenger terminal under a 30-year lease.