The Kenya aviation industry is bracing for significant disruption as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has announced a nationwide strike starting September 1st.
The decision to strike was revealed by KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema during a press briefing in Nairobi on Saturday.
Ndiema indicated that the strike would involve over 10,000 KAWU members protesting what they allege to be a clandestine sale of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Adani Airport Holdings Limited of India. This development follows a previous postponement of the strike, which KAWU had initially deferred to allow for further dialogue with the government. However, Ndiema expressed frustration that these discussions have yielded no substantial results.
The union has leveled accusations against the government regarding the transparency and legality of the sale process. Ndiema criticized the handling of the transaction, claiming that it is being conducted in a manner that is both secretive and unlawful. According to KAWU, the sale poses a serious risk of significant job losses within the sector.
Moss Ndiema Secretary General KAWU,with Chaiman Walter Ongeri and other KAWU members during a press briefing on Saturday at Social hall in Embakasi village
Compounding the situation, the union is opposed to an upcoming visit by senior officials from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to Adani Airport Holdings Limited in India, which is scheduled for next week.
KAWU has called for the dismissal of KAA officials they accuse of being complicit in the allegedly improper deal. Ndiema emphasized the union’s demand for transparency and adherence to legal processes in the airport sale.
In a statement, Ndiema declared, “We are calling for the removal of KAA officials allegedly involved in the controversial deal. The Union is demanding greater transparency and adherence to legal processes in the sale of JKIA.” He further warned that if their concerns are not addressed, the strike would see all airports across Kenya come to a standstill on September 1st. “All airports in this country will not operate on that day, starting with JKIA, Mombasa International Airport, and Moi International Airport, until our grievances are heard,” Ndiema added.
The looming strike has the potential to disrupt air travel and impact operations across the nation’s major airports, underscoring the growing tension between the aviation workers and the government over the future of Kenya’s key international gateway.