Travellers stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a result of Aviation workers' strike. Photo | Phidel Kizito.
Kenya’s international airline Kenya Airways (KQ) has halted it’s arrival and departure flights from Jomo Kenyatta international Airport (JKIA) following an ongoing strike by Aviation workers. This as COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli shares his concerns about the Kenya-Adani deal.
The strike by Aviation workers comes as a result of a controversial lease agreement between the Indian firm Adani group and the Kenyan government.
According to a statement released by KQ, it informed it’s customers of possible flight delays and a probable cancellation of others due to the halting of ground operations by JKIA staff due to the ongoing strike.
Passengers have been requested to stay in contact with the airlines for updates on the situation. Members of the Kenya Airports Workers Union (KAWU) held the strike this morning contrary to a court order issued on the same as seen in a statement by Kenya Airport Authority (KAA).
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The ongoing strike that has been looming since last week and has since paralyzed the transport in the Airport as long queues have been observed with passengers showing deep frustrations.
In solidarity with KAWU the Central Organization of Trades Unions in Kenya ( COTU-K ) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has requested the release of individuals arrested by police due to the ongoing strike.
“Strikes are reflected in our constitution. When employers do not respond to the worker’s needs they are left with no alternative but to go on strike,” he said in a statement.
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Addressing the conduct of some top government officials concerning the deal between Kenyan government and Adani, Atwoli claimed that they are so arrogant and they don’t want to talk about the deal signed with Adani Group.
“I tried contacting the then Transport CS {Kipchumba} Murkomen to explain the Adani deal to workers but our ministers are arrogant. They don’t pick calls and if they do, they only receive calls from business men,” Atwoli said.
