The strike by workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) over the planned takeover by India’s Adani Group has now spread to Kisumu International Airport, where staff have joined their colleagues in the ongoing protest.
The workers are opposing the government’s decision to lease the airports to the Adani Group for 30 years in exchange for a $1.85 billion investment.
The strike, which began on Tuesday night at JKIA, has caused widespread disruption to airport operations, with several flights canceled and others delayed.
Only arriving flights are being processed, leaving passengers scheduled to depart stranded at both JKIA and Kisumu airports.
Scenes of frustration are evident at the airports, where passengers can be seen sitting on their luggage, trying to shield themselves from the scorching sun.
Others, visibly distressed, are making calls to find alternative travel options.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli visited JKIA to express solidarity with the striking workers, blaming the situation on government officials for not consulting unions during the decision-making process.
“This could have been averted if they had consulted the union,” Atwoli said.
Meanwhile, negotiations between airport authorities and the striking workers continue, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The ongoing strike has severely affected both domestic and international flights, as long queues of frustrated passengers await further assistance.
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