Trade Unions play an integral role in shaping the political landscape in various nations.

A significant feature of labour movement in most of the African nations is its close association with political formations .

The association is so intimate that the cleavages in the labour movement have often been considered a function of the unions’ ideological commitment.

The political affiliation of the unions is not only inevitable, but also necessary. 

In a democracy where decisions that are vital to labour are made as much in the legislature as across the bargaining table, it is in the interest of unions to exercise influence over politics and political parties.

Modern trade union act in two arenas: The state and politics on the one hand, and the labour market and collective bargaining on the other 

Just like other countries, Kenya has a very stable and structured union establishment that any political candidate can not ignore .

Lobbying, functional representation and taking important decisions are key functions of unions. 

Trade unions have always taken sides in presidential polls and they indeed will shape this years 2022 political contest. The unions are poised to play an important role in a presidential election where the stakes couldn’t be higher, not only for the future of the labour movement but for the entire Kenya working class . 

This could explain why union endorsement and member votes are so crucial to this election .

The endorsement and all the support that comes with it have the potential to drive a candidate forward and the contributions from labour groups continue to play a significant role in elections.  

As a union, we must set the bar higher than it’s ever been and any candidate who wants our endorsements should show us that he or she is unambiguously a pro worker and pro-union candidate. 

He or she should tell us about the plans that are related to the principle of democracy, economic security, and inclusiveness. 

The Central Organisations of Trade Union (Cotu), an umbrella union that boasts of more than 2 million members, had made it clear on who they support for the 2022 August Presidential polls . The Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has openly supported the Azimio Candidate Raila Odinga.  Cotu is a member of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederations.

Just recently, The two giant  trade unions in Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (Kuppet) addressed the press to back Raila. 

This was followed by another meeting between the University Academic Staff  Unions (UASU) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) with the Azimio candidate.

Another giant union , the Kenya National Union of Nurses, whose Secretary General is also the UDA Vice Chairperson, supports the Kenya Kwanza candidate William Ruto. 

Union and politics go together and there is a belief that even during party nominations, some slots are reserved for union members. 

Some of the top union officials have used their positions and influence to navigate their way to various assemblies.  MPs Ronald Tonui, Wilson session, Omboko Milemba , Tom Odege Catherine Wambilinga are among MPs who were very vocal union officials and ended up getting to Parliament .

Health workers and more so clinical Officers, who see more than 90 per cent of Kenyans seeking primary health care services with its union the Kenya Union Of Clinical officers – that boasts of of more than 25,000 members will make its major pronouncement very soon.

Austin Oduor Otieno National Deputy Secretary General Kenya Union of Clinical Officers