NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 31 – The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has postponed its planned strike, initially set for tomorrow, to review lease deal documents provided by the government regarding the leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Indian firm, Adani Group.
KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema announced the decision today, stating that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) had met one of the union’s key demands by providing the concession documents.
“We have deliberated about the issue today and it is our resolution that we make a further delay for our strike action for seven days,” Ndiema said.
The union had first announced its intention to strike on August 11, citing concerns over the government’s adherence to legal requirements, particularly public participation, and the exclusion of KAWU members from discussions surrounding the leasing agreement.
KAWU argued that its members are critical stakeholders whose input should be considered in such significant decisions.
In addition to the lease deal, KAWU’s demands also include calls for management changes at both the KAA and Kenya Airways.
The union had engaged in discussions with KAA officials and Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on August 18, but those talks failed to produce a resolution.
The decision to delay the strike by a week is intended to allow KAWU to thoroughly review the documents related to the concession and to ensure that their concerns are addressed before deciding on the next course of action.
The union’s leadership has emphasized the importance of transparency and involvement in the process, particularly given the potential impact on workers’ rights and the future of JKIA.
KAWU says the outcome of its review of the lease documents and any further negotiations will determine whether the strike action will proceed after the seven-day delay.
