NAIROBI, Kenya — The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has backed the government’s plan to reform the Postal Corporation of Kenya, while warning that modernisation must not come at the expense of workers’ benefits or the institution’s public service mandate.
The union said any restructuring should go hand in hand with settling long-outstanding pension obligations and safeguarding employees’ welfare.
Speaking shortly after his election as Secretary General during the union’s national elections at Tomboy Labour College on Saturday, Benson Okwaro said the postal service remains a critical public institution despite shifts in technology and communication trends.
“The Postal Corporation of Kenya is not just another institution. It is a symbol of government presence and service delivery in every part of the country, and its revival is critical for Kenya,” Okwaro said.
CWU elections were conducted in accordance with labour laws, with delegates drawn from 18 branches nationwide. All officials were elected unanimously and unopposed, a result the union said reflected members’ confidence in the leadership and direction of the organisation.
Okwaro acknowledged ongoing government efforts to attract investors and modernise postal services, including digitisation and commercial restructuring. However, he warned that reforms must not undermine workers’ rights, particularly pension dues that have remained unpaid for years.
“We appreciate the intention to modernise the postal sector, but workers must not lose their benefits in the process. Pension obligations cannot be ignored or postponed indefinitely,” he said.
The Postal Corporation of Kenya has struggled in recent years amid declining mail volumes, financial constraints, and competition from private courier firms. The government has previously signalled plans to restructure the corporation as part of broader State-owned enterprise reforms.
Labour analysts say pension liabilities and legacy debts remain one of the biggest obstacles to reforming struggling State corporations, often triggering resistance from unions and workers.
Beyond the postal sector, Okwaro raised concerns about other public communication institutions, including the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and Telkom Kenya. He called for accelerated reforms, increased investment, and modernisation of equipment to restore their competitiveness and relevance.
Okwaro criticised past policy decisions that led to the transfer of key transmission infrastructure to private entities, arguing that the moves weakened Telkom Kenya and undermined public investment.
“It does not make sense for Kenyans to invest in critical infrastructure, only for public institutions to later pay private companies to access what was originally built using public funds,” he said.
He said CWU would prioritise structured dialogue with the government, regulators and employers to address sector-wide challenges. However, he warned that the union would not hesitate to take action if negotiations fail to protect workers’ rights and welfare.
“Our preference is engagement and dialogue, but we will firmly defend our members where their rights are threatened,” Okwaro said.
The CWU represents workers in broadcasting, telecommunications, postal services, courier services, call centres and the digital economy. This includes emerging categories such as content moderators and digital creators.
Okwaro said expanding membership in new and evolving sectors of the digital economy would be a key priority during his five-year term, as employment patterns continue to shift.
“We must organise where work is moving. The digital economy is no longer peripheral. It is central to how young Kenyans earn a living,” he said.
The union said it would closely monitor the government’s reform agenda for the Postal Corporation and other communication agencies to ensure modernisation strengthens, rather than weakens, public service delivery and labour protections.
