Thousands Stranded as Kenya Airport Workers Strike Over Adani Deal

A strike by workers at Kenya's main international airport has left thousands of passengers stranded, as employees protest a planned deal between the government and India's Adani Group to renovate and manage Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Credit: The Week

The agreement, which would see Adani manage the airport for 30 years, has sparked fears among workers of job losses and worsening working conditions. The strike, which began yesterday, has grounded planes and brought operations to a standstill.

This development comes as Kenya is still reeling from the aftermath of the anti-Finance Tax protests, which had a devastating impact on the economy. The airport strike is set to further exacerbate the country's economic woes, with potential losses estimated to run into millions of shillings.

Credit: The Week

The government has been accused of prioritizing foreign interests over the welfare of its own citizens, with workers feeling betrayed by the deal. As the strike continues, passengers are bearing the brunt of the disruption, with many forced to spend the night at the airport.

The impact of the strike will be felt far beyond the airport, with Kenya's reputation as a tourist destination and business hub likely to suffer. As the country struggles to recover from recent protests, this latest development is a major setback.

Will the government reconsider the deal and prioritize the welfare of its citizens, or will the strike continue to paralyze the airport?