Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has been re-elected unopposed as the Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K), securing a sixth term running from 2026 to 2031.
The election took place during the 15th Quinquennial Governing Council Delegates Conference and Elections at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, where over 250 delegates from 47 affiliated trade unions gathered to endorse his leadership.
In a statement released by COTU (K) on Saturday March 14, 2026, Atwoli expressed deep gratitude to affiliates and delegates for renewing his mandate and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Kenya’s labour movement.
“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.
The statement highlighted Atwoli’s long-standing impact since his first election in 2001. Under his leadership, COTU (K)’s membership has grown from about 300,000 members in 2001 to over four million today, strengthening the organization’s influence across key national institutions such as the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Social Health Authority (SHA), Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH).
Atwoli emphasized COTU (K)’s role in collective bargaining, noting that affiliated unions negotiate and sign up to 4,000 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) annually, making Kenyan workers among the most effectively represented on the continent. He also called on workers who are not yet members of trade unions to organize and join, highlighting the importance of collective action in safeguarding rights and improving welfare.
The re-election came after strong endorsements from affiliated unions. In January, Atwoli was re-elected unopposed as Secretary-General of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), and 42 general secretaries of COTU-affiliated unions unanimously backed his bid for the COTU (K) position.
The event was marked by jubilant celebrations, with footage showing Atwoli performing a victory dance amid cheers from delegates.
Born on June 6, 1949, Atwoli has been a pivotal figure in Kenya’s labour movement since 1967. He has held various roles both nationally and internationally, including positions in the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Pan-African Productivity Association. His re-election extends his leadership into a 25th year, cementing his status as the longest-serving COTU Secretary-General.
