Central Organisation of Trade Unions–Kenya (COTU-K) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has been re-elected unopposed during the federation’s 15th Quinquennial Governing Council Delegates Conference and Elections held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu on Saturday.
Atwoli, a long-serving trade unionist who has led the powerful workers’ umbrella body for more than two decades, retained the post without contest as delegates renewed their confidence in his leadership.
Addressing delegates after the announcement, Atwoli called on workers to support President William Ruto’s development agenda, saying trade unions would back government initiatives that improve the welfare of workers and strengthen the country’s economy.
“We must support President William Ruto because the government is undertaking programmes that directly benefit workers,” Atwoli said.
He pointed to the Affordable Housing Programme, saying labour leaders had engaged the President to ensure workers are able to access the houses through more flexible payment arrangements.
“We met the President and requested that the deposit required be reduced so that many workers can afford the houses. Those who can afford should be able to own decent homes,” he said.
Atwoli also lauded the construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit road saying the project will not only open up the western region but bring to an end the rising cases of road accidents along the stretch.
He also welcomed plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu, noting that the project would open up the western region economically and reduce pressure on road transport.
“If that project starts, we have every reason to support the government because such infrastructure will benefit workers and the economy,” he said.
He maintained that trade unions would support the government when it delivers for citizens but would not hesitate to criticise it when workers’ interests are threatened.
“Do not mistake us for politicians. I am not a politician, I am a trade unionist. When the government does well we will support it, and when it does not, we will say so,” Atwoli told delegates.
Speaking during the same occasion. Public Service Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Jane Imbunya reaffirmed the government’s partnership with COTU-K, saying collaboration between the State Department for Public Service and the labour movement had already delivered tangible benefits for workers.
“In less than 10 months we have achieved significant progress, including salary increments for public officers, through our partnership with COTU,” Imbunya said.
She said the government values the role played by workers in building the economy and pledged continued cooperation with trade unions to advance labour rights and improve working conditions.
National Assembly Labour Committee Chairperson Ken Chonga also congratulated Atwoli on his re-election and urged COTU to strengthen its role in protecting Kenyan workers, especially those seeking employment abroad.
Chonga said thousands of Kenyan youths working in foreign countries contribute significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings through remittances but often face exploitation and abuse.
“Many of our boys and girls go abroad to work and support their families and the economy, yet some of them face serious mistreatment. This is something we must address collectively,” he said.
He called for stronger oversight and better regulation of labour migration to ensure Kenyan workers are protected wherever they are employed.
The legislator also urged unions to work closely with the government to improve labour policies while safeguarding workers’ constitutional rights, including the right to strike.
“Workers have a fundamental right to strike, but we must also find mechanisms that ensure disputes are resolved before they escalate into prolonged industrial action,” Chonga said.
The conference brought together union officials, government representatives and labour stakeholders from across the continent to review the progress of the workers’ movement and chart the way forward for labour relations in Kenya
By Chris Mahandara
