Kenya airport strike disrupts flights, leaves passengers stranded: Video
Passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi faced major disruptions on Wednesday due to a strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
The strike, which began at midnight, has caused significant delays and cancellations of flights, leaving travellers stranded and uncertain about their journeys.
Moss Ndiema, the secretary-general of KAWU, confirmed that the strike was in protest against the planned takeover of JKIA by Adani Airport Holdings, an Indian company.
"We have an ongoing strike action in protest against the intended takeover of JKIA by Adani Airport Holdings," Ndiema told AFP. "We expressed reservations about this issue and issued a strike notice on the 12th of August. Despite attempts to engage in dialogue with the Kenya Airports Authority and the government, the discussions did not bear fruit, leading us to declare this strike."
The industrial action has led to long lines of passengers and vehicles trying to access the airport, with protestors shouting "Adani must go." Some travellers, visibly frustrated, were seen sitting on their luggage as they waited for updates.
Elvis Mushengu, a stranded passenger, expressed his frustration, saying, "Yesterday they closed the doors at around 12, so we've not slept, and apparently, they're not working. I don't know who's screening people. So as much as they are letting guys proceed or the guys who are leaving, we don't know who's doing the screening or what the procedure is."
The strike has brought JKIA, one of East Africa's busiest airports, to a standstill, raising concerns about security procedures and the overall management of the airport during the strike. While some passengers were still being processed for flights, there were widespread complaints about the lack of communication and clarity from airport authorities.
