COTU Statement on Re-Election of Francis Atwoli as Secretary General of COTU Kenya

Dr. Francis Atwoli has today 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).

Under Dr. Atwoli's leadership, the membership of COTU (K) has grown significantly, from approximately 300,000 members in 2001 to over four million workers today. During this period, the organization has strengthened its influence and representation in key national institutions, including the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Social Health Authority (SHA), Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH), among others.

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.

The Secretary General 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.