Kenyan Airport Workers Strike Against Adani Group Lease Proposal

Workers at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport protested against a proposal for the Adani Group to lease the airport, causing flight cancellations and delays. The strike, which spread to Kisumu and Mombasa airports, was driven by concerns over job losses. Kenya's high court has temporarily blocked the proposal.

Workers at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport initiated a strike on Wednesday against an Indian company's proposal to lease the facility, leading to significant flight cancellations and delays. The protest saw laborers blowing plastic trumpets and clashing with police. Participants demanded the withdrawal of a proposed 30-year lease deal with the Adani Group, which includes a $1.85 billion investment in airport expansion.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority ensured that air traffic control services remained operational. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura noted that Transport Minister Davis Chirchir was in discussions with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union to address their grievances. In the meantime, passengers were left stranded outside the terminal, awaiting updates.

Despite the disruptions caused by the indefinite strike, the government has maintained that the airport requires modernization. The high court's temporary block on the proposal allows time for a judicial review. The controversy surrounding the deal primarily revolves around potential job losses and the employment of non-Kenyan workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)