Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has called for the immediate termination of the proposed Indian company Adani Group and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) deal amid aviation workers’ strike.
In a statement published on his X account on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Amisi stated that the national government exists to protect the interest of its citizenry, sovereignty and territorial integrity not the interest of global influential enterprises.
Additionally, the vocal lawmaker blamed the government for the current situation witnessed at the international airport stating that the proposed deal is non-agreeable.
“The #adani deal must be stopped with immediate effect. The government exists to protect the interest of its population, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and not the interest of global titans. This is non-negotiable!” Amisi said.
The #adani deal must be stopped with immediate effect. The government exists to protect the interest of its population,sovereignty, and territorial integrity and not the interest of global titans . This is non-negotiable!
— Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP (@Honcalebamisi) September 11, 2024
Aviation workers strike
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, aviation workers started their planned strike leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.
The workers are protesting against the proposed plans to lease the airport to the Adani Group.
On Tuesday evening, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) accused the government of not showing goodwill after their last series of meetings regarding their demands stating that they would proceed with their planned strike.
KAWU had earlier issued a strike notice on August 12, 2024, but they later put it on hold to allow talks with the government to find an amicable solution.
In the notice, KAWU was demanding the immediate resignation of the entire board of directors over the intended lease of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings of India while they should have exercised prudence and accountability as the custodians of the national asset on behalf of Kenyans.
“Formally notify you that all unionise employees of Kenya Airways and Kenya Airports Authority shall go on strike after the expiry of seven (7) days from today, August 12, 2024,” the KAWU strike notice reads in part.
“For Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), this action is necessitated by your failure to heed our demands conveyed via our three letters dated 6th August 2024 which demanded the immediate resignation of the entire Board of Directors for their show of incompetence in presiding over the unlawful intended sale of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings of India while they should have exercised prudence and accountability as the custodians of this national strategic asset on behalf of Kenyans.”
Flight cancellation, delay
Following the strike by the aviation workers, Kenya Airways (KQ) has issued an update on the delays and possible cancellations of some flights at JKIA.
In a statement published on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the national carrier noted that some of the flights would be delayed and some cancelled as a result of the industrial strike.
“Dear valued customers Kenya Airways would like to alert you that due to the action by some JKIA staff, this has resulted in some delays and possible cancellations of some of our flights for both departing and arriving passengers, “KQ statement reads.
“Communities We continue to observe the situation and will update you on the affected flights. Profile For further assistance, please reach out to our Customer Excellence team on +254711024747; via Whatsapp on +254705474747 or X @KQSupport Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
