The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued demands to the ADANI Group, which is seeking to take over renovation works Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), shortly after canceling their strike.
KAWU had announced that a nationwide strike scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 1, has been halted after talks with the Kenya Airports Authority aimed at addressing their grievances concerning the Adani takeover of JKIA.
“After today’s meeting it was resolved that Industrial action be halted for seven days to allow us to read, comprehend and make documented demands to the government on ADANI PPP proposals as shared to us,” KAWU said.
Among the demands issued by KAWU is the immediate cessation of stock-taking by the ADANI Group at JKIA.
Aviation Workers Issues Demands
They have also called for the immediate suspension of stakeholders’ engagements.
In addition, KAWU has demanded the immediate cancellation of a management and government delegation trip to India scheduled for September 2, 2024.
The aviation workers warned that if these demands are not met, the strike will resume without further notice.
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While addressing the media on August 20, KAWU Secretary-General Moses Ndiema expressed frustration over the lack of access to relevant documents needed for informed participation.
“We have not seen the document, actually we have been requesting for it, but they are not ready to give it to us even saying at one point that there is no document,” he said.
He emphasized that if the government intends to move forward with any dealings related to JKIA, it must first provide detailed information about the procurement process that led to Adani’s selection.
Also, the union demanded transparency about how Adani was chosen, who the competitors were, and the reasoning behind the decision.
JKIA Deal
The proposed deal includes a 30-year concession structured under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model under the Public Private Partnerships (PPP0 Act 2021).
KAA acting managing director Henry Ogoye in July confirmed receiving Adani’s proposal to upgrade Kenya’s main airport over the next 30 years, under the Cabinet-ratified JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan.
The authority stated that the investment plan includes upgrading the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway, and apron which according to KAA cannot be funded under the current fiscal constraints without private funding.
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However, Ogoye said the proposal will be subjected to technical, financial and legal reviews alongside requisite due processes in compliance with the PPP Act 2021.
“The Project Agreement will be preceded by Stakeholder Engagement, the National Treasury approval, the Attorney General clearance and the Cabinet approval,” he said.
The acting MD further assured the staff that no jobs were at risk in relation to the proposal.
“I also wish to assure the airport business community and operators that the expanded facility will create additional business opportunities and attendant benefits,” he added.
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