KENYA – Kenya’s ongoing aviation workers’ strike is costing the fresh produce sector an estimated KES 410 million (USD 3.18 million) each day, according to the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK).
The disruption at major airports has halted operations crucial for the export of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, impacting businesses and international trade.
The strike has thrown Kenya’s aviation and travel industries into chaos, with significant financial losses reported across the board. FPEAK and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) are grappling with the fallout from halted operations and service interruptions.
Hosea Machuki, CEO of FPEAK, stressed the significance of the impact on the movement of cargo, which has ground to a halt at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other key hubs.
“We rely heavily on air freight, exporting between 600 to 800 tonnes of fresh produce daily,” Machuki said. “The strike is threatening not only our revenue but also our relationships with international clients. If it continues, we stand to lose business, and many jobs across the value chain are at risk.”
FPEAK represents exporters of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables, industries that are especially vulnerable due to the perishable nature of their goods. As the strike drags on, delays in cargo movement threaten significant losses in key markets such as Europe.
The travel industry has also been hit hard. The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) reported an estimated USD 16,000 (Sh2.06 million) in ticket sales lost on the first day alone. Travel agents have been overwhelmed with complaints from stranded passengers and are having to process refunds for canceled flights.
“This has been nothing short of chaotic,” said Nicanor Sabula, CEO of KATA. “Our members are dealing with frustrated customers and the costs of flight cancellations. The situation needs to be addressed urgently.”
The strike, organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), is in protest of the proposed leasing of JKIA to the Indian Adani Group, with workers fearing mass layoffs.
This disruption comes at a critical time for Kenya’s economy, affecting not just the fresh produce export and travel sectors but also the broader tourism industry.
The tourism sector, a vital part of Kenya’s economy, is also feeling the effects. Mohammed Hersi, former chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation, warned that prolonged flight disruptions could discourage international tourists from visiting the country.
“The strike is a serious threat to tourism,” Hersi said. “Any delays in flights and the overall instability could lead to cancellations, which would have a lasting effect on our economy.”
Although the current disruption is focused on air freight, the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya) has been exploring alternatives.
In an earlier interview, CEO Okisegere Ojepat emphasized the potential for expanding sea freight alongside air freight for fresh produce exports.
“We are not stopping air shipments,” Ojepat explained. “But we are working on integrating sea shipments to reach markets that are too far or expensive to serve by air. This is a gradual process, as our infrastructure needs significant upgrades.”
Ojepat highlighted that sea freight could become a viable long-term solution with improvements to Kenya’s rail system and better aggregation and termination centers.
“It’s not just about shifting to sea freight; it’s about making sure the entire logistics network can handle the change.”
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