Francis Atwoli Re-Elected as COTU Secretary General for Sixth Term
Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has secured another five-year term as Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) following a delegates' conference held on Friday, March 14, 2026, at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.
Over 250 delegates representing 47 affiliated unions participated in the election process to choose the organization's top officials. Atwoli, who first assumed the role in 2001, was re-elected unopposed, cementing his status as the longest-serving Secretary General in COTU's history and extending his leadership until 2031.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), established in 1965, serves as Kenya's primary umbrella body for trade unions and advocates for the rights and welfare of more than three million workers nationwide. It plays a key role in negotiating better labour conditions, providing policy advice on employment matters, and unifying the national labour movement. Atwoli's continued tenure reflects strong delegate confidence in his longstanding efforts to champion workers' interests amid evolving economic and social challenges in the country.
In his acceptance remarks, Atwoli expressed gratitude and emphasized the collective nature of the mandate. He stated, “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.” The re-election was marked by celebratory scenes, including Atwoli dancing with delegates, underscoring the festive atmosphere at the event and the broad support for his leadership in the trade union sector.
