NAIROBI, Kenya — Veteran labour leader Francis Atwoli has been re-elected Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), extending his leadership of Kenya’s largest workers’ umbrella body for another five-year term.
The re-election was confirmed during a delegates’ meeting held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, where representatives from affiliated unions gathered to elect the organisation’s top leadership.
Atwoli’s victory marks his sixth term in office, cementing his status as the longest-serving Secretary General in the history of COTU. He has led the federation since 2001, becoming one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s labour movement.
In his acceptance speech, Atwoli thanked union members for renewing their confidence in his leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing workers’ welfare.
“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 stated.
The electoral meeting brought together more than 250 delegates representing 47 affiliated unions, who participated in voting for officials that will lead the organisation in the coming years.
Founded in 1965, COTU serves as the umbrella body for trade unions in Kenya, representing the interests of millions of workers across sectors including manufacturing, transport, agriculture, and public service.
The federation plays a central role in collective bargaining, labour policy advocacy, and negotiations with both government and employers on issues affecting workers.
According to union records, COTU represents more than three million workers nationwide, positioning it as a key stakeholder in national economic and labour policy debates.
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Over the past two decades, Atwoli has remained a dominant figure in labour politics, frequently engaging in national debates on wages, taxation, social protection and employment policies.
His leadership has also coincided with major shifts in Kenya’s labour landscape, including the expansion of informal employment, evolving labour laws, and increasing calls for improved workers’ protections amid economic pressures.
Political analysts say his continued tenure reflects both strong institutional backing within the trade union movement and the enduring influence of organised labour in Kenya’s socio-economic discourse.
Atwoli’s re-election ensures continuity in COTU’s leadership as the organisation navigates emerging labour challenges such as youth unemployment, digital economy jobs, and workers’ rights in new industries.
