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Monday, September 2, aviation workers under the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) staged a demonstration at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), voicing their opposition to a controversial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal that could see Indian conglomerate Adani Group Holdings take over operations at East Africa’s busiest airport.
The workers carried placards and chanted slogans, as they expressed concerns that the proposed partnership with Adani Group posed a threat to their jobs, fearing they could be replaced by foreign employees. The demonstration disrupted morning activities at JKIA, causing delays in several flights as workers left their stations to join the march.
This protest occurred despite an announcement from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary General, Moses Ndiema, who had earlier declared a seven-day postponement of any strike action to allow time for further discussions on the lease deal.
The planned takeover has sparked heated debate, with many workers worried about the implications for local employment and national sovereignty. President William Ruto, who has been a strong proponent of the PPP arrangement, attempted to allay fears last month amid growing public outcry. In a speech on July 28, he argued that the airport’s infrastructure is inadequate and requires significant investment to meet international standards.
“Let’s be honest, Kenyans. The airport we have in Nairobi is made of canvas. This is a temporary structure we built almost seven years ago. Ethiopia has a brand-new airport, and Rwanda is the same,” President Ruto stated. “We need to work with investors to have a new airport in Nairobi.”
Despite the President’s assurances, the deal remains a contentious issue, with aviation workers demanding more transparency and guarantees that their jobs will be protected.
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