Kenya’s airport workers’ union has called off a strike that grounded flights at the country’s main airport on Wednesday, protesting a deal awarding the contract for its modernization and operations to India’s Adani Group.
The decision to end the strike followed day-long talks between union leaders and the government. The union had opposed the build-and-operate agreement between the Kenyan government and Adani Group, which included modernizing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and constructing an additional runway and terminal in exchange for the group running the airport for 30 years.
“We have not accepted Adani,” union secretary-general Moss Ndiema told journalists, emphasizing the union would be involved in future discussions regarding the agreement.
The strike disrupted flights and left passengers stranded, as Kenya Airways warned of delays and cancellations. Local flights from Mombasa and Kisumu were affected, with police officers stepping in for security checks at the airport.
Transport Minister Davis Chirchir assured that the government would protect Kenyan citizens’ interests throughout the airport’s upgrade process. Meanwhile, the High Court has temporarily halted the deal’s implementation until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.
