Kenya’s largest aviation workers’ union has postponed a planned strike by two weeks, originally set to begin on Monday, to allow for negotiations with the government over a proposed deal with an Indian company to expand the country’s main airport.
The union representing airport workers is against the deal announced last month with India’s Adani Airport Holdings, arguing it could lead to job losses and bring in foreign workers.
“The Union has chosen to delay the strike notice as we enter discussions,” said Moss Ndiema, the union’s secretary general, on Sunday.
He noted that negotiations will involve the state-run airports authority and the transport ministry. “If no agreement is reached, we will issue a new strike notice.”
A strike could severely disrupt regional air traffic given the airport’s significance as a major aviation hub.
The government has clarified that the airport is not up for sale and no decision has been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership with Adani.
According to the airports authority, Adani’s plan includes constructing a second runway and upgrading the passenger terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
With the airport exceeding its capacity of 7.5 million passengers per year, the Kenyan government emphasizes that significant improvements are urgently needed, with costs projected at $2 billion.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Malians endure worsening economic hardship, power cuts four years after military coup