Veteran trade union leader Francis Atwoli has been re-elected unopposed as Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), securing a 6th term that will run from 2026 t0 2031.
The election took place during the 15th Quinquennial Governing Council Delegates Conference and Elections held at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu. More than 250 delegates representing 47 affiliated trade unions gathered to endorse his continued leadership of the national labour federation.
Atwoli Thanks Delegates for Renewed Mandate
In a statement released by COTU (K) on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Atwoli thanked union affiliates and delegates for reaffirming their confidence in his leadership.
“I sincerely thank all our affiliates and delegates for the confidence they have once again bestowed upon me. 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.
Growth of COTU Under Atwoli’s Leadership
The COTU statement highlighted Atwoli’s influence on the labour movement since he first assumed the position in 2001.
During his tenure, membership of the federation has expanded significantly—from around 300,000 workers in 2001 to more than four million today.
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This growth has strengthened COTU’s presence in several key national institutions including the National Social Security Fund, Social Health Authority, Salaries and Remuneration Commission, Kenya National Qualifications Authority, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, National Industrial Training Authority, and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
Collective Bargaining Strengthened
Atwoli also underscored the importance of collective bargaining in protecting workers’ rights. According to the labour leader, affiliated unions negotiate and sign as many as 4,000 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) every year.
He urged workers who are not yet members of trade unions to organize and join existing unions, emphasizing that collective action remains the most effective way to safeguard labour rights and improve workers’ welfare.
Strong Backing from Trade Unions
The re-election followed widespread support from COTU-affiliated unions.
Earlier in January, Atwoli had also been re-elected unopposed as Secretary-General of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union. Additionally, 42 general secretaries from COTU-affiliated unions unanimously endorsed his candidacy for the top position in the national federation.
The announcement sparked celebrations at the conference venue, with delegates cheering as Atwoli marked the moment with a celebratory victory dance.
A Long Career in the Labour Movement
Born on June 6, 1949, Atwoli has been active in Kenya’s labour movement since 1967.
Over the years, he has held numerous leadership roles both nationally and internationally, including positions within the International Labour Organization and the Pan-African Productivity Association.
His latest victory extends his tenure at the helm of COTU into a 25th year, cementing his place as the longest-serving Secretary-General in the federation’s history.
