Francis Atwoli has been re-elected Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) for another five-year term, extending his leadership of the country’s largest workers’ umbrella body.
The decision was made during a delegates’ meeting held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, where Atwoli secured his sixth term at the helm of the organisation.
With the re-election, Atwoli further cements his position as the longest-serving secretary general in COTU’s history, having first assumed the role in 2001.
Delegates Back Continued Leadership
More than 250 delegates from 47 affiliated unions participated in the voting exercise to elect top officials of the federation.
In his acceptance speech, Atwoli thanked union members for renewing their confidence in his leadership, pledging to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers.
“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,” he said.
Role of COTU in Kenya’s Labour Movement
COTU represents over three million workers across Kenya through its affiliated trade unions and plays a key role in advocating for fair labour practices, improved working conditions and social protection for employees.
The organisation also participates in policy consultations and labour advisory roles involving the government, employers and international labour bodies.
Founded in 1965, COTU was established to create a unified and influential national labour movement capable of advancing workers’ interests and strengthening collective bargaining in the country.
Atwoli’s renewed mandate is expected to see the veteran labour leader continue steering the union through emerging labour issues, including employment conditions, wage negotiations and workers’ protections in Kenya’s evolving economy.
