The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has threatened to strike over the proposed lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Adani Airports Holdings.
The workers are demanding transparency in the process, stating that public participation from Kenyans must be undertaken.
While addressing the media on Saturday, July 3, the Union’s Secretary General Moses Ndiema warned that they might paralyze operations if the leasing plan for JKIA proceeds.
Ndiema claimed that the plans are spearheaded by certain powerful politicians, suggesting that some of them might even have shares in the Indian company.
“This is a criminal enterprise and corruption. Here is a case where the big players within the political class want to reap JKIA. In fact, I would not be surprised if some of them own shares in Adani,” he said.
The Secretary General accused politicians of trying to privatize the airport without following the due process.
“So, it is just our people here who are trying to position themselves and mask as Indians and Adani. They would have privatized JKIA without following the due process. What do you mean by owning 18% of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) permanently and forever, in private hands under which process?” he said.
KAWU officials alleged that certain managers within KAA might have been bribed to support the plans.
“Some of the managers who are spearheading this have two to three years to go. If they get a handshake with Adani and are given Ksh50 million or even Ksh100 million and they retire, they don’t care about the people who are remaining behind,” said another KAWU official.
However, government officials, including President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, have clarified the pending agreement with Adani.
Murkomen on JKIA Deal
During his vetting before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, former Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen explained that the agreement is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and not necessarily a sale of the airport.
Murkomen clarified that the Adani proposal is a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) under the PPP framework, stating that this is not the first time the government is undertaking such a program.
“PPP is a very important concept for developing our infrastructure. I want to be very clear to the people of Kenya: I have not and do not have the capacity to enter into any PPP as a person or as a Cabinet Secretary, and I have not in any way sold the airport,” Murkomen said.
Also Read: Murkomen Clarifies His Role in Alleged Sale of JKIA to Indian Firm
Mudavadi’s Clarification
Further, Mudavadi issued a statement on July 30, clarifying the government’s position on JKIA and providing reassurances amid public concern.
He emphasized the significance of JKIA as a “strategic national asset” and reaffirmed that “JKIA is not for sale.”
Also, The Prime CS highlighted the government’s reliance on PPPs to drive infrastructure projects without burdening the national budget.
“The government has been implementing financial reforms aimed at spurring economic growth while easing off pressure from the exchequer,” he said.
Mudavadi stated that the proposal from Adani Airports Holdings Limited is still undergoing rigorous due process, reviews, and negotiations in compliance with the PPP Act.
He explained that no terms have been agreed upon yet and that any eventual agreement will include “appropriate safeguards to ensure that Kenya’s national interest prevails.”
“We reaffirm that the proposed expansion and modernization of JKIA will be conducted in strict adherence to our Constitution and, specifically, in accordance with the legal frameworks established under the PPP Act,” Mudavadi said.
Also Read: Gautam Adani: University Dropout Billionaire Behind Controversial 30-Year JKIA Deal
Petitioners
However, the proposal by Adani is facing a stumbling block after a Kenyan moved to court seeking to stop the deal.
In a petition filed at the Milimani Law Courts, Isack Lango Guyo wants the court to nullify all proceedings and agreements related to the project by Adani.
The petitioner highlighted that the project at JKIA is marred by severe breaches of the constitution and noted the lack of public participation.
He argued that the lack of transparency, accountability, and exclusion of the public from the transaction is a serious violation of the constitution.
The petitioner also urged the court to stop the government from pursuing future PPP relating to JKIA or any other strategic national asset.
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