KISUMU, Kenya — The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu-K) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has called for stronger action to eliminate child labour and empower women in union leadership, warning that persistent poverty and weak enforcement continue to expose children to exploitation.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, Atwoli hailed the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its ongoing partnership with Cotu (K) in addressing child labour, describing the collaboration as “a cornerstone” in promoting decent work and protecting vulnerable children.
“Child labour remains a pressing issue in our country. To eradicate it, we must address the root causes — poverty, lack of access to quality education, and weak enforcement of labour standards,” Atwoli said.
He was opening a Capacity Building Workshop for Women Trade Unionists on eliminating child labour in Kenya’s tea and coffee sectors at the Tom Mboya Labour College.
The workshop is part of the ACCEL Africa Project, a regional initiative titled “Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa”.
The programme focuses on reducing child labour in the tea and coffee supply chains across Kisii, Kericho, Meru and Kirinyaga counties, where child labour remains widespread despite government and industry interventions.
Atwoli noted that empowering women trade unionists was key to curbing child labour in rural communities, where women are often closest to the realities of poverty and family welfare.
“Women trade unionists hold the keys to eradicating child labour in Kenya’s tea and coffee sectors. Empowering them strengthens the frontline defence against child exploitation,” he said.
Atwoli reaffirmed Cotu (K)’s commitment to defending the rights of both workers and children, saying no child should be denied education or dignity due to economic hardship.
“As Cotu (K), we shall continue to defend the rights of children and workers alike. Our mission is to ensure that all forms of exploitation are eliminated from our workplaces and communities,” he said.
He added that the labour movement remains committed to promoting gender equity and building inclusive leadership within unions.
The workshop brings together women leaders from Cotu (K)’s affiliate unions, including the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), KUDHEIHA, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and the Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers (KUCFW).
