Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has secured a sixth term as Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU-K) after being re-elected unopposed during the 15th Quinquennial Governing Council Delegates Conference and Elections held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu on March 14, 2026.

According to an official statement from COTU (K) dated March 14, 2026, the renewed mandate will run from 2026 to 2031.

The re-election extends Atwoli’s leadership of the federation, which began when he was first elected in 2001.

In his acceptance speech, Atwoli thanked delegates and affiliated unions for their support. “I sincerely thank all our affiliates and delegates for renewing the confidence they have once again bestowed upon me,” he said.

“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.”

Growth of the labour movement

During Atwoli’s tenure, COTU (K) has recorded growth in membership and influence across national labour institutions. Membership has increased from about 300,000 workers in 2001 to more than four million.

The federation has also strengthened representation in several institutions including the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH).

Atwoli commended affiliated unions for their role in negotiating workers’ welfare.

“Our affiliated unions, collectively bargaining Kenyan workers among and sign up to 4,000 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) annually, making Kenyan negotiate among the most effectively represented in trade unions globally. I commend our affiliates for their tireless commitment to defending workers’ rights,” he said.

He also encouraged workers who are not members of unions to join the labour movement.

“To the millions of workers who are not yet members of any union, I urge you to join the labour movement. Trade unions remain the strongest platform for protecting workers’ rights, improving wages and working conditions, and ensuring dignity at the workplace.”

Focus on training and digital transformation

Atwoli said the federation will continue prioritising labour education and modernisation of training institutions. He noted that reconstruction of the Tom Mboya Labour College is ongoing.

“Already, over KShs 0.9 billion has been invested in its reconstruction, and we are committed to ensuring that the project is completed so the College becomes a world-class centre for labour education, research, and leadership development,” he said.

He also highlighted ongoing automation efforts aimed at improving services for workers and unions.

“COTU (K) is currently undertaking a major automation process aimed at improving service delivery to workers and unions. As part of this transformation process, we are introducing digital tools, including a workers’ support application, to ensure that workers can easily access information, report labour issues, research, and receive support in real time.”

Delegates at the conference reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to advancing workers’ rights and representation as the world of work continues to change with automation, artificial intelligence and outsourcing.