Airport workers suspend strike for one week

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) announced the delay of the strike for a further seven days to enable them to read the documents presented to them by the government on the Adani deal.

The workers are opposed to the proposed takeover of running of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Indian firm Adani Group.

"Our members have decided to delay the strike for seven days to allow us to peruse the documents presented by the government, thereafter we will announce the way forward," said KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema.

Ndiema also cited the presence of strangers seen at JKIA, saying they’re believed to be from the Adani Group on a stock-taking mission.

"Our members are complaining of strangers believed to be Adani Group representatives who were seen stock-taking at JKIA. If it's true, that has to stop immediately, they are creating anxiety," he stated.

The union is further demanding all stakeholder engagements on the deal be stopped as they take time to read the documents presented by the government. 

This comes as the Kenyan delegation led by senior managers of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is scheduled to visit India on a fact-finding mission.

The workers will hold a procession on Monday to KAA offices to demand more documents from the management.

"We have yet to receive all the documents we demanded from KAA. We have only received a section of the document we requested," added Ndiema.

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.