Kenya’s airport workers’ union has called off a strike that grounded flights at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday. The strike was initiated in response to the Kenyan government’s decision to award a modernization and operational contract to India’s Adani Group. This deal, which includes modernizing the airport and adding a new runway and terminal, sparked concerns among workers about job security and working conditions.
Following a day of negotiations between union leaders and the government, a return-to-work agreement was reached. The union’s Secretary General, Moss Ndiema, emphasized that while the strike was over, they had not accepted Adani Group’s involvement and would continue to be part of discussions moving forward.
Transport Minister Davis Chirchir assured the public that the government would safeguard Kenyan interests throughout the airport’s upgrade. The strike had led to significant disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations affecting local and international passengers. Police had been deployed to manage security and check-in operations amid the chaos, leaving many travelers stranded and worried about their flights.
Kenya Airways also reported service interruptions due to the strike, impacting flights from major cities such as Mombasa and Kisumu.