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March 24, 2020, saw a plane touch down at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya.
OPEN QUOTE
The largest aviation workers’ union in Kenya has scheduled a strike for Wednesday, voicing opposition to a proposed deal. This arrangement, with India’s Adani Group (ADEL.NS), opens new tab, would lease the primary airport for three decades. The deal includes expanding the facilities. This info was shared by a union representative on Tuesday.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Kenyan government insists that the airport operates over capacity and requires modernization. They’ve clarified it’s not for sale and no final decision has been made regarding a public-private partnership to enhance the facility.
In July, the government mentioned reviewing Adani’s offer. Should an agreement materialize, protective measures would be in place to safeguard Kenya’s national interests.
NOTABLE POINT
“The strike kicks off at midnight,” Moss Ndiema, Secretary General of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, announced via text message to Reuters.
BACKGROUND
On Monday, Kenyan courts temporarily halted the suggested deal with Adani Group (ADEL.NS), opens new tab, which involves leasing the principal airport for 30 years in return for its expansion.
In August, the aviation workers’ union expressed concerns that the deal, initially announced in July, might result in job losses and the inflow of non-Kenyan workers.
WHAT’S NEXT
The impending strike is anticipated to disrupt the operations of flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Kenya’s Citizen Television reported early signs of worker slowdown at the airport late on Tuesday.
REACTION
The Kenya Airports Authority, responsible for the nation’s airports, has yet to comment on the strike plans.
Compiled by Humphrey Malalo; penned by George Obulutsa; polished by Sandra Maler
