Police Clash with JKIA Workers Protesting Controversial Adani Takeover: Inside Details
NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Airports Authority workers on Wednesday staged a major strike that affected flight schedules at East Africa’s busiest and largest airport; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The bone of contention is a rushed and controversial takeover bid by India’s Adani Enterprises.
While the High Court has stopped the takeover, the government seems keen to ensure JKIA is managed by Adani.
There are concerns over the deal, including the job security of the KAA workers.
Opposition from workers and Kenyans including top lawyers like Nelson Havi, once a President of the Law Society of Kenya, and Donald Kipkorir have openly opposed the deal, which they term as illegal and corrupt.
It all started when Adani submitted a proposal to the Kenya Airports Authority earlier this year to operate JKIA under a 30-year concession.
Adani’s financial proposal shows that Sh96.66 billion will be spent on the development of a new terminal building, associated apron and taxiway system and two rapid exit taxiways.
If the deal goes on, the development is expected to be completed by 2029.
A further Sh11.85 billion would be used to improve the taxiway system, add two more rapid exit taxiways and construct other related facilities such as additional remote aircraft parking stands.
This phase is expected to be completed in 2035. Adan is also proposing to spend Sh79.91 billion on the development of new facilities, with the company adding that this will be done carefully to ensure seamless integration with the exisiting infrastructure.
The company wants to operate JKIA for 30 years and transfer it back at a value to be determined by the two parties.
