Hundreds of workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) demonstrated on Wednesday against a planned deal between the government and a foreign investor. Planes have remained grounded, with hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport.
The government has said that the build-and-operate agreement with India’s Adani Group would see the JKIA renovated, and an additional runway and terminal constructed, in exchange for the group running the airport for 30 years.
Kenya Airport Workers Union, in announcing the strike, said that the deal would lead to job losses and “inferior terms and conditions of service” for those who will remain.
Kenya Airways on Wednesday announced there would be flight delays and possible cancellations because of the ongoing strike at the airport, which serves Nairobi.
Travelers on-site reported that workers demanded payment to secure a chance to travel to their desired destinations, resulting in a large group of stranded passengers camping out in the airport’s parking lot.
The Adani deal has faced substantial public backlash, with many criticizing it as an opaque and potentially corrupt agreement involving one of Kenya’s largest assets, JKIA. Concerns have been raised about the lack of public participation in the deal.
Reports indicate that Adani’s foreign employees have already begun operations at the airport.
Adani Enterprises Limited recently established a new subsidiary in Kenya, Airports Infrastructure PLC, which is set up to focus on the development, management, and modernization of airport facilities. This move has fueled speculation about Adani Group’s investment plans. The proposed investment includes a new passenger terminal, a second runway, and the refurbishment of existing facilities.
Henry Ogoye, Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), confirmed that Adani’s proposal outlines a comprehensive PPP model aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure while ensuring accountability and sustainable returns. Adani has projected an 18% Internal Rate of Return (IRR) from the aeronautical business.
Last week, airport workers had threatened to go on strike, but the plans were called off pending discussions with the government.
The spotting of unknown people moving around with airport officials taking notes and photographs raised concerns that the Indian firm officials were readying for the deal, local media outlets reported last week.
The High Court on Monday temporarily halted the implementation of the deal until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.
