Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) Francis Atwoli has called on Kenyan workers who are not members of any trade union to join one, saying unions remain the strongest platform for protecting workers’ rights and improving working conditions.
In a statement on Sunday following his re-election during the union’s 15th Quinquennial Delegates Conference held at Tom Mboya Labour College, Atwoli said union membership is key to ensuring fairness and dignity in the workplace.
“As I begin this new term, I call upon all Kenyan workers who are not yet members of any trade union to join a union,” he said. “A trade union remains the strongest platform for protecting workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring fairness and dignity in the workplace.”
Atwoli said he was “deeply humbled and honoured” to have been re-elected as Secretary General of COTU (K), thanking delegates from affiliated unions representing more than four million workers for renewing their confidence in his leadership.
“This renewed mandate strengthens my resolve to continue serving the workers of Kenya with dedication, courage, and commitment,” he stated.
He noted that the labour movement has grown significantly since he first assumed the role in 2001, when the federation had about 300,000 members.
“Since I was first elected in 2001, the membership of COTU (K) has grown from about 300,000 members to over four million workers today,” he said, describing the growth as a reflection of “the strength, unity, and resilience of the Kenyan labour movement.”
According to Atwoli, the expansion of the federation has enabled Kenyan workers to gain representation in key national institutions, including the National Social Security Fund, Social Health Authority, National Industrial Training Authority, Kenya National Qualifications Authority, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, among others.
He added that with the renewed mandate, COTU (K) intends to widen the scope of worker representation in additional national institutions where labour voices are required in policy guidance and oversight.
Atwoli also praised affiliated unions for their role in improving workers’ welfare through negotiations.
“Every year, our affiliates negotiate and sign close to 4,000 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which continue to improve the welfare of Kenyan workers,” he said.
Looking ahead, the union leader reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing labour institutions and preparing workers for the changing world of work driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and outsourcing.
He also pledged to complete the modernization of the historic Tom Mboya Labour College, where more than Sh 0.9 billion has already been invested in reconstruction to transform it into a world-class centre for labour education and research.
