Warehouse workers in Mombasa, on 31 July 2025, protested against poor working conditions and said they have been neglected by Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU). 

The protests underscored a broader challenge in labour rights enforcement, as Atwoli, despite his role in advocating for workers, is criticised for failing to address longstanding grievances, reflecting a disconnect between union leadership and grassroots workers.

The protest involved civil society organisations and union representatives, led by figures such as Zedekiah Adika of the Coast Civil Society Network, who expressed concern over the inhumane treatment and lack of intervention from national labour leadership.

“Working conditions are bad, but when these workers went to file their evidence together, they were beaten up, arrested, and placed in remand for two months,” Adika revealed.

The warehouse workers in Mombasa were protesting against poor working conditions, low wages (Ksh4 per bag), and a lack of meaningful intervention from national labour leadership. This situation suggests a failure in the enforcement of existing labour laws, which are meant to protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair treatment.

This protest was part of a larger pattern of labour disputes in Mombasa, with previous strikes by casual warehouse workers over wages and recent paralysis of port operations due to similar grievances. 

Lack of enforcement

According to the Coast Civic Society Network, the lack of enforcement in Mombasa undermines the legal framework’s ability to protect workers, leading to a cycle of exploitation and unrest.

The criticism of Francis Atwoli for neglecting the workers’ plight highlights a disconnect between union leadership and the workers they represent. This is despite the presence of union representatives in the protest.

The impact of labour laws on the Mombasa warehouse workers’ situation is currently negative due to poor enforcement, lack of effective union representation, and systemic challenges in protecting workers’ rights. However, the protests and public attention could lead to positive changes if they prompt a review and strengthening of labour laws, ensuring they are both robust and effectively implemented.