Strike Looms at Kenya's Aviation Hub: KAWU's Bold Demand

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has set the stage for a significant move, issuing a seven-day notice for strike action. Their primary demand is the resignation of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) board, amid unresolved labor disputes and fallout from a scrapped airport leasing deal.

This potential industrial action threatens to disrupt one of Africa's busiest aviation hubs, as it targets operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema refrained from specifying the exact start date of the strike, indicating it could commence any time post the notice period.

This development traces back to last year's day-long protest by workers over plans to lease the airport to the Adani Group. The agreement was eventually abandoned following U.S. indictments against Adani and others, accused of bribery—a charge they've denied. Ndiema criticized the KAA board for incompetence and detached decision-making, particularly regarding the Adani deal.