Hundreds of passengers are currently stranded at Kenya’s main international airport due to a protest by airport workers against the proposed deal between the government and the Adani Group.
The demonstration disrupted airport operations, resulting in flights being grounded.
What is the deal between Kenya and Adani Group?
The government announced that under the build-and-operate agreement with the Adani Group, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will undergo renovations, with plans for an additional runway and terminal to be constructed. In return, the Adani Group will manage the airport for a 30-year period.
Announcing a strike, Kenya Airport Workers Union said that the deal would cause several people to lose their jobs and have “inferior terms and conditions of service” for those who will remain.
Kenya Airways announced on Wednesday that flight delays and potential cancellations were expected due to the ongoing strike at the airport. Last week, airport workers had threatened to strike but postponed the action pending discussions with the government.
Local media reported that concerns were raised after unknown individuals were seen accompanying airport officials, taking notes and photographs, suggesting that representatives from the Indian firm were preparing for the deal. On Monday, the High Court temporarily suspended the agreement’s implementation until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.
(With AP inputs)