"JKIA Workers Skip a Public Participation Forum, Demand Transparency in Controversial Deal"

 Workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) led by Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) have refused to participate in a scheduled public participation session regarding the proposed takeover of airport operations by Adani Group, citing concerns over the lack of transparency in the deal.

The session, organized by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), was meant to gather input from stakeholders on the potential benefits and challenges of the takeover. However, it was met with resistance from the workers, who are demanding that all documents related to the deal be made public before they can engage in any discussions.

“When we suspended our strike action, we wanted genuine, respectful and honest dialogue ,  they are now  pushing through a sharp public participation, and I call it sharp because in the absence of documentation, for example, proposal in the absence of that  of the disability study, what is the basis of public participation? What is the basis at its  life projection? is this part of Kenya amateur? If it is part of Kenya, please let the government submit to the law. If they have a genuine, honest, viable PIP proposal from Adani, share it with us. Yes. Tell us how good it is.” Stated KAWU secretary general Moss Ndiema.

KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema Image: Jacktone Lawi 

Led by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the employees expressed their frustration over the secrecy surrounding the agreement, arguing that it raises questions about the motivations behind the deal. They insists that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) should be the one to take charge of the airport and not the foreign Adani firm.

“KAA is one of the few firms making profit in the country. You cannot lease an operating airport built with the taxpayer’s resources to a foreign firm. In Kenya we have Konza City, let the government take Adani to the city and tell them to build an airport there and they operate it. We cannot participate in a public forum where the most crucial information is being kept from us.”  Noted Mr Walter Ongeri, National Chairperson of KAWU

In addition, the Secretary General of the Union  added that the workers will be meeting on Saturday 24th to deliberate on the strike notice they had given after a meeting with the  Cabinet Secretary  Energy Davis Chirchir , a meeting that they did not come to terms of agreement

“We had an attempt yesterday to have the negotiations but the government is bent on pushing the Adani takeover by hook or crook. Today, they are purporting to be having public participation at the State Pavillion. They want to coarse employees to attend the exercise but we have told them not to attend.”Said Mr Ndiema

The workers also voiced concerns about potential job losses, changes in working conditions, and the implications for national security if the airport’s management is transferred to a foreign entity. They called on the government to prioritize the interests of Kenyan workers and the public in any agreements made with the Adani Group.

The standoff between the JKIA workers and the authorities highlights the growing tension over the proposed takeover, which has sparked widespread debate in the country. The workers’ demand for transparency is likely to put additional pressure on the government and KAA to disclose the details of the deal and address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the government’s next move and whether it will heed the call for greater transparency in the Adani takeover process.