Kenyan airport operations hit as workers go on strike over Adani takeover.
Passengers at Kenya’s main Jomo Kenyatta International Airport faced disruption on Tuesday night after staff went on strike.
The Kenya Aviation Authority workers began their walk-out at midnight in protest against Indian conglomerate Adani Group’s proposed takeover of the airport.
Visuals of long queues and traffic jams surrounding the airport went viral on social media as the strike caused delays.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union said the strike would continue until the government scrapped the deal handing over airport operations to Adani for 30 years in return for a $1.85 billion investment.
The union argues the move will lead to job losses for local staff and deny taxpayers future profits. It rejects Adani’s taking over duties currently managed through a concession order.
While the government says upgrades are needed as capacity is exceeded, it maintains the airport is not for sale. Adani plans to add facilities like a second runway.
The High Court has temporarily blocked the deal after challenges claiming it violates principles of governance and prudent use of public money.
The date for a final court decision is awaited as protests against ceding control to the foreign conglomerate persist.
