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TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Hundreds of passengers have remained stranded for the better part of Wednesday, September 11, at major international airports.
This followed the Kenya Airports Workers Union (KAWU) strike to challenge the controversial lease deal between Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Indian-based firm Adani Group.
KAA and the government held a stakeholder engagement session on August 20, 2024, to address workers' concerns.
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The authority noted that Adani Airport Holdings' proposal is currently undergoing technical, financial, and legal reviews.
The strike kicked off at midnight on Wednesday, September 11, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at JKIA as airport workers downed their tools, leading to a commotion.
The strike disrupted travel plans for many passengers, with videos of the chaos being widely circulated online.
Kenya Airways reported delays and possible cancellation of flights following the strike.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was among the passengers stranded at JKIA following the strike.
KAA workers at Moi International Airport in Mombasa also staged protests and grounding operations.
Hundreds of passengers travelling to various destinations within and outside the country were affected.
Operations at Kisumu International Airport were also grounded as workers joined their colleagues at JKIA in the strike.
They argued that the Adani Airport Holdings deal will harm their jobs and welfare.
Eldoret Airport also reported disruption in operations after workers joined their fellows at JKIA.
Stranded passengers urged the government to address the aviation workers' strike issues.
They lamented over missing their important business appointments scheduled for the day.
In neighbouring Tanzania, passengers remained stranded after most airlines cancelled flights to JKIA.
Kenya Airways, in its notice to customers, stated that the strike affected both departing and arriving passengers.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said the strike was against a court order, noting that it is in talks with relevant parties to avert the situation.
According to the authority, the workers paralysed airport operations, but normalcy had resumed as of 7am.
KAA apologised for any inconvenience and appreciated customer patience and understanding during the disruption.
Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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Services at other airports in the country remained paralysed.
Kenyan Airport Workers Strike, Bringing Flights to a Halt
Kenya airport strike strands hundreds of passengers - BBC News