Atwoli Speaks Out After Winning Another Term as COTU Secretary-General

Dr. Francis Atwoli has been re-elected as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K), during the 15th Quinquennial Governing Council, Delegates Conference and Elections held at the Tom Mboya Labour College (TMLC) in Kisumu.

The conference brought together over 250 delegates drawn from 47 affiliated trade unions, collectively representing more than four million workers across Kenya.

With this election, Dr. Atwoli has now been re-elected for a record sixth time since his first election in 2001, making him the longest-serving Secretary General in the history of COTU (K).

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Atwoli expressed deep gratitude to the affiliates and delegates of COTU (K) for renewing his mandate and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the labour movement in Kenya.

“I sincerely thank all our affiliates and delegates for the confidence they have once again bestowed upon me. This renewed mandate is not mine alone; it belongs to the millions of workers whose rights and welfare COTU (K) continues to defend and advance,” said Dr. Atwoli.

Atwoli Commends Labour Unions

He commended affiliated unions for their active role in collective bargaining and protecting workers’ rights, noting that Kenya’s labour movement remains one of the most effective on the continent.

“Our affiliated unions collectively negotiate and sign up to 4,000 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) annually, making Kenyan workers among the most effectively represented in trade unions globally. I commend our affiliates for their tireless commitment to defending workers’ rights through strong and effective collective bargaining,” he added.

Dr. Atwoli also called upon Kenyan workers who are not members of trade unions to organize and join unions in order to safeguard their rights and improve their welfare.

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“To the millions of workers who are not yet members of any union, I urge you to join the labour movement. Trade unions remain the strongest platform for protecting workers’ rights, improving wages and working conditions, and ensuring dignity at the workplace.”

Further, Atwoli reiterated his commitment to completing the modernization and reconstruction of the Tom Mboya Labour College, which serves as a premier training and research institution for workers in Kenya and across Africa.

“The modernization of the Tom Mboya Labour College remains a key priority for COTU (K). Already, over KShs 0.9 billion has been invested in its reconstruction, and we are committed to ensuring that the project is completed so that the College becomes a world-class centre for labour education, research, and leadership development.”

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COTU Digital Transformation

Atwoli also highlighted the ongoing digital transformation within COTU (K), noting that the organization is embracing technology to better serve workers in a rapidly changing world of work.

“COTU (K) is currently undertaking a major automation process aimed at improving service delivery to workers and unions. As part of this transformation, we are introducing digital tools, including a workers’ support application, to ensure that workers can easily access information, report labour issues, and receive support in real time,” he said.

The 15th Quinquennial Delegates Conference reaffirmed COTU (K)’s commitment to advancing the rights, welfare, and representation of workers in Kenya, particularly at a time when the world of work is rapidly evolving due to automation, artificial intelligence, and increasing outsourcing.

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