Kenya Airport Union Postpones Strike for Talks

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced that the planned strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has been postponed for two weeks to allow for negotiations regarding a controversial deal with India's Adani Group to manage and expand Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). KAWU, representing about 10,000 workers, expressed concerns over potential job losses and the hiring of non-Kenyan staff, labeling the deal as a secretive attempt to privatize the airport. KAA stated that operations at JKIA will continue as normal during this period, and that discussions will involve the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. If negotiations do not produce satisfactory results, KAWU plans to initiate its strike on September 2. The proposed investment from Adani is reported to be $1.85 billion for a 30-year contract to upgrade the airport, which is in urgent need of improvements. The Kenyan government has denied any plans to sell the airport outright, emphasizing the need for a public-private partnership to enhance infrastructure.