In August, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) raised demands to JKIA regarding the proposed Adani deal. However, after the government failed to meet these demands, the union announced plans for a series of strikes.

The union demanded that the government and JKIA management disclose all details of the deal made with Indian firm, Adani Group Holdings.

On 10th September, hundreds of passengers endured the heat of the strike and were left stranded as Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers officially went on strike.

Long queues began forming from 9 pm, with many passengers reporting delays in flight schedules as well.

“JKIA staff go-slow causes long lines as they plan to go on strike at midnight over Adani takeover deal. They’re declaring a ‘total lockdown’ to oppose the Indian firm, several employees tell me,” wrote Larry Madowo.

High Court stops controversial takeover of JKIA by Adani Airport Holdings

“I’m on one of the last flights out of JKIA at 2359 hours – if it makes it – before the airport workers’ strike begins at midnight.”

By midnight, not a single plane had taken off from JKIA intensifying the strike’s impact. Additionally, arriving international passengers were mingling with those in departures, heightening security concerns.

All KAA staff had stopped working, leaving no one at the entry points to check passengers.

“JKIA is completely overwhelmed, it can’t handle the traffic. It’s chaos. There are now brokers getting paid to get you to the front of the line,” wrote X user, Edwin Dande.