Atwoli re-elected unopposed as COTU secretary-general

Francis Atwoli has been re-elected unopposed as secretary-general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya during the 15th quinquennial governing council delegates conference held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

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

With the latest vote, Atwoli secures his sixth consecutive term since first assuming office in 2001, making him the longest-serving secretary-general in the history of COTU.

In his acceptance remarks, Atwoli thanked delegates and workers nationwide for renewing his mandate and pledged to continue strengthening the labour movement.

“I sincerely thank our affiliates and delegates for the confidence they have once again bestowed upon me. This renewed mandate belongs to the millions of workers whose rights this organisation continues to defend,” he said.

Atwoli said the federation has recorded significant growth over the past two decades.

When he first assumed office in 2001, the organisation represented about 300,000 workers. Today, membership has expanded to more than four million across Kenya.

He attributed the growth to stronger union structures and increased collective bargaining agreements negotiated by affiliated unions.

According to COTU, unions collectively negotiate and sign nearly 4,000 collective bargaining agreements every two years with the Ministry of Labour.

“These agreements have helped improve salaries and working conditions in many companies, with some workers now earning far above the minimum wage due to negotiated terms,” Atwoli said.

Atwoli also highlighted key milestones achieved during his tenure, including improvements in the labour justice system.

He said the Employment and Labour Relations Court previously had only three judges, but the number has now increased to more than 25 across the country, improving access to justice for workers.

The labour leader also cited the movement’s contribution to the 2010 Constitution.

Article 41 of the Constitution guarantees workers the right to strike and the right to collective bargaining, placing Kenya among a small number of African countries that constitutionally protect these rights.

Atwoli said the protections have strengthened labour relations and given workers greater bargaining power.

Union elections and independence

Several other officials were also re-elected unopposed to various leadership positions during the conference.

They include Rajabu Mwondi, Rev Joel Chebii, Francis Murage, Benson Okwaro, Ernest Nadome, Carolyne Rutto, Rebecca Nyathogora, Wasington Adongo, Francis Wangara, Joseph Nyabiya and Nelson Mwaniki.

Atwoli commended the government and political leaders for staying away from the union elections, saying the move respected the independence of the labour movement.

“Our members regulated the process themselves, ensuring the elections were free, fair and transparent,” he said.

He added that union members travelled from different counties to witness the election process, demonstrating their commitment to the organisation.

Atwoli said COTU is also undertaking digital transformation to improve service delivery to workers.

The federation is developing digital tools including a workers support application that will allow employees to report labour issues and access union assistance in real time.

He also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to completing the modernization of the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, which has received more than KSh0.9 billion in investment.

The college serves as a training and research centre for trade union leaders and workers across Kenya and Africa.

“This growth shows the confidence workers have in this organisation. Together we will continue defending workers’ rights, improving working conditions and strengthening the labour movement in Kenya,” Atwoli said.