‘Adani-JKIA venture is only a proposal’ – Govt Spokesperson tells Kenyans amid raging anger over planned deal
By Lutta Njomo, September 11, 2024Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has moved to calm the agitated Kenyans and aviation workers over the planned Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) takeover deal by the Adani Group.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Mwaura informed Kenyans that the deal had not been finalised yet and remains a proposal.
He indicated that the Adani Group had only presented their proposal on their plans to renovate JKIA under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
To avert further disruptions, Isaac Mwaura indicated that Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir had convened a meeting with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) to address their concerns.
“The Adani JKIA venture is only but a proposal. The CS Ministry of Transport Davis Chirchir, and PS Transport Mohammed Daghar, and officials of Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) are currently in a meeting and a statement will be issued shortly,” Mwaura’s post read in part.
Services paralysed
This comes after JKIA operations were paralysed on Tuesday night September 10, 2024, and Wednesday, September 11, 2024, after a section of aviation workers went on a go-slow.
Some of the travellers remained stranded while others were forced to cancel and reschedule their travelling plans.
Early in the morning on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, police were deployed at the international airport to restore order. During the operation, several workers were arrested forcing Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli to call for their immediate release.
The workers were protesting over the planned JKIA takeover by the Adani Group, an Indian firm. They lamented that the deal threatens to render them jobless.
To allow normal operations to resume, the workers demanded the full disclosure of the Adani deal.
KCAA update
Despite the standoff, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) assured the country that the industrial action has not interfered with air navigation services such as air traffic control.
“Despite the disruption, we wish to assure the public that Air Navigation Services, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, are fully operational and remain unaffected. We are committed to ensuring the safe and efficient management of Kenya’s airspace during this period,” KCAA’s statement read in part.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, aircraft takeoffs and landings are being handled without delay. However, the authority indicated it is working to address the backlog caused plane’s disruption.
” More Aircraft operations – both take-offs and landings – are being handled without delays, and efforts are underway to address any backlog swiftly.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates on airport operations as new developments arise, ensuring the safety, security, and convenience of air travel remain our top priority,” KCAA insisted.