Civil society organizations and union representatives in Mombasa have called out the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli for failing to address longstanding labour grievances affecting warehouse workers in the region.
Led by the Coast Civil Society Network Chairperson Zedekia Adika, Mombasa Warehouse Workers Committee Secretary General Barasa Wechuli, and Kenya shipping, clearing, freight logistics and warehouse workers union disputes officer Oponyo Wawire, the group said warehouse workers continue to face inhumane treatment, poor working conditions, and rights violations with no meaningful intervention from national labour leadership.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa, Adika expressed concern over what he termed as a growing trend of impunity by employers and security agencies, alleging that some workers have been subjected to arrest and intimidation after seeking legal redress.
“There are Kenyans living like slaves in their own country,” said Adika. “They have no shelter, cannot provide for their families and yet handle goods worth billions for companies that collude with authorities to deny them justice.
He went on: “In February, during the Mugeni vs Republic matter, injured workers who went to file evidence were instead arrested and detained for two months.
Meanwhile, Atwoli has remained silent. This is unacceptable and a shame, for someone mandated to defend the over 10,000 warehouse workers.
Furthermore, he urged Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua to engage with the affected workers and ensure enforcement of labour laws, particularly those governing the warehouse sector.
Wechuli echoed the same concerns, citing a series of strikes by warehouse workers demanding decent pay and safe working conditions, which he claimed have been consistently ignored.
“We are essential service providers handling fertilizers and dangerous cargo, yet we work without protective gear, clean water, or proper sanitation,” said Wechuli.
“Despite contributing to multimillion shilling operations, many workers cannot afford shelter, school fees, or even two meals a day. Employers disregard the Occupational Safety and Health requirements, and when we raise our voices, we are labelled chaotic instead of being listened to,” he said.
Wechuli called on the government to compel employers to comply with occupational health standards and respect Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) negotiated by unions.
Disputes Officer, Oponyo Wawire decried the suppression of trade unionists in Mombasa, claiming that those advocating for workers’ rights are routinely arrested and charged with non-labor-related offences.
“Trade union officials are facing increasing intimidation and criminalization. Workers are underpaid despite the high rates paid by cargo owners, with the difference siphoned off by brokers,” Wawire stated.
“There are no longer regular workplace inspections. Workers relieve themselves in bushes, risking snake bites, due to lack of toilets and water,” he said.
Wawire urged the Labour CS to investigate and enforce the implementation of the 2023–2024 CBA, which he said remains largely unimplemented despite being signed by employers under the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) and the relevant unions.
By Sitati Reagan
