In a late-night interview on Thursday, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir addressed concerns surrounding the deal and its impact on the staff of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
Chirchir described the Adani deal as a positive move that could enhance the country's infrastructure. He emphasized that the partnership with Adani would bring several benefits and opportunities.
However, he acknowledged that there are concerns about how the deal might affect KAA employees.
To address these concerns, Chirchir outlined three options available to KAA staff if the Adani takeover proceeds:
1. Improved Terms with Adani: The first option for KAA employees is to move to Adani's team. Chirchir assured that if Adani hires KAA staff, they will be offered better employment terms compared to their current positions.
This option presents an opportunity for staff to benefit from potentially improved working conditions and compensation.
2. Remaining with KAA: The second option is for employees to stay with KAA. Chirchir explained that even if the deal goes through, KAA will continue to operate other airports across the country.
Staff choosing this option would remain employed by KAA and continue their roles at the remaining airports.
3. Voluntary Resignation: The third option allows staff to resign from their positions at KAA. Employees who are not interested in either moving to Adani or staying with KAA may choose to leave their jobs.
This option provides staff with the flexibility to seek new employment opportunities elsewhere if they prefer not to be part of the changes.
Chirchir’s comments came shortly after a demonstration by KAA staff who expressed fears that the Adani deal could lead to job losses and negatively impact their livelihoods.
The staff's protest highlighted the uncertainty and apprehension surrounding the deal. The deal has also faced opposition from several prominent figures, including opposition leaders Babu Owino, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
These leaders have voiced concerns about the implications of the deal and its potential impact on Kenyan workers and the airport's operations.
Despite the opposition and protests, Chirchir remains optimistic about the benefits of the deal. He believes that the partnership with Adani will not only improve the management of JKIA but also contribute positively to the overall development of the country's infrastructure.
The Adani deal, which is a significant step in Kenya’s infrastructure development, is expected to bring about modern management practices and potentially boost the efficiency of JKIA.
However, the concerns of KAA staff and the opposition from various leaders indicate that there are still many questions and uncertainties surrounding the full implications of the deal.
As the deal moves forward, it is clear that both the government and Adani are working to address the concerns of KAA staff and ensure a smooth transition. The options provided by Chirchir aim to offer staff some level of security and choice as the changes unfold.
The outcome of the deal will likely have a lasting impact on Kenya's aviation sector and its workforce. As the situation develops, it will be important to monitor how the proposed options for KAA staff are implemented and whether they successfully address the concerns raised by the employees and opposition leaders.
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