Kenya’s airport workers’ union has postponed a planned strike to facilitate ongoing discussions with the government regarding a proposed development deal for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.
Reasons for Postponement
- Negotiation with Government: The union is engaging in talks about the implications of a proposed agreement with India’s Adani Airport Holding. The deal aims to upgrade JKIA, a critical African aviation hub.
- Concerns Raised: The union is concerned that the development could lead to job losses for Kenyan workers and an influx of non-Kenyan labor.
Government’s Position
- Denial of Sale: The government has denied claims that JKIA is being sold and has stated that it is exploring a “public-private partnership” for the airport’s development.
- Need for Upgrades: The government argues that JKIA is operating beyond its capacity of 7.5 million passengers per year and urgently requires improvements. The proposed investment includes plans for a second runway and enhancements to the passenger terminal.
Impact of Potential Strike
- Regional Disruption: A strike by airport workers could significantly disrupt regional air traffic and impact the operations of Kenya Airways, which relies heavily on JKIA.
The postponed strike allows for further discussions to address the union’s concerns and ensure that the development project benefits both the airport and its workers.