CS Mutua intervenes to avert airport disruption over JKIA takeover deal
By Lutta Njomo, September 4, 2024Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, intervened to avert any possible disruption at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Mutua met with over 1,000 staff members as an arbitrator between the employees and their employer, the Ministry of Transport.
During the meeting, the aviation workers candidly faced CS Mutua indicating that they are not fully aware of what the JKIA takeover deal entails.
Some of the workers raised issues concerning their job security and what is at stake if the deal goes through.
“Earlier today, I met with representatives and leaders of aviation workers, including select civil aviation employees, to listen to their concerns.
“The attendees represented over 1,000 staff members, and as an arbitrator between the employees and their employer, the Ministry of Transport, I was keen to understand their views. The workers had requested this meeting so that I could relay their issues to the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
“Throughout our discussions, it became clear that the employees lacked a complete understanding of key issues affecting their welfare, leading to the spread of various rumours,” Mutua stated.
Vows to release details
During the meeting, Mutua assured aviation workers that he would engage the Ministry of Transport to release relevant documents regarding the JKIA deal
He however discouraged them from consuming misleading information which could trigger fear and confusion.
“During the open session, the workers candidly shared their challenges, fears, and concerns. I took the opportunity to brief them on government initiatives and their rights.
“We agreed that I would urge their employer to provide them with all available information regarding the planned Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. I also encouraged them to seek out accurate information, ensuring their opinions are based on facts rather than propaganda,” Mutua added.
This comes after the airport workers staged a protest at the JKIA to oppose the public-private partnership that would allow Adani Group Holdings to take over operations at one of East Africa’s busiest airports.
In a letter to Kenya Airports Authority and copied to Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, the aviation workers want an immediate stoppage of all engagements with the Indian-based firm.
JKIA takeover deal
Adani Enterprises, the Indian firm is poised to take over Kenya’s international airport. The Indian firm is set to be handed the operations and the management of the regional hub.
Adani proposes a Ksh97 billion investment in developing a new terminal building, associated apron, taxiway system and two rapid exit taxiways.