Kenya Airport Strike Strands Hundreds due to Controversial Indian Adani group Takeover

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as workers launched a strike to protest a proposed takeover by India's Adani Group.

Large queues formed outside the airport as flights were delayed or cancelled. The strike, led by the Kenya Aviation Workers' Union, opposes the government's plan to lease JKIA to Adani for 30 years, citing fears of job losses and lack of transparency.

Footage from local media showed airport staff protesting and a police officer hitting a demonstrator with a baton. The government defended the deal, highlighting the need for private investment to expand the airport's capacity. The Adani Group is expected to invest $1.85 billion for upgrades, including a new runway and terminal improvements.

Affected passengers, including the Zimbabwe men's football team, expressed frustration over the lack of communication. Only a third of Kenya Airways flights had departed by Wednesday morning. Other airports in Kenya have also joined the strike.

The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have filed a legal challenge, leading the High Court to pause the deal for further judicial review.