NAIROBI, Kenya – COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has set the record straight regarding his union’s collaboration with the government, amidst growing social media criticism.
In a detailed post, Atwoli outlined the historical and ongoing efforts that have led to COTU’s working relationship with the government, emphasizing its critical role in modernizing Kenya’s labor laws and advancing workers’ rights.
Atwoli highlighted COTU’s pivotal role in advocating for the adoption of the 2007 labor laws, which ushered in significant reforms, such as the Employment Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, among others.
These laws laid the foundation for a more robust and workers-centered labor market.
Furthermore, COTU played an active role in Kenya’s 2010 constitutional reform, pushing for provisions that secure workers’ rights, including the establishment of a specialized Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Atwoli pointed out that COTU’s advocacy has transitioned from the days when trade unions had to “stand on top of tables to be heard” to now sitting alongside employers and government representatives at the table for constructive dialogue.
This shift reflects the current climate of strong social dialogue and tripartism, which Atwoli says is essential for addressing complex issues such as social protection, youth employment, gender equality, and climate sustainability.
Reflecting on COTU’s growth, Atwoli noted that membership has soared from 300,000 in 2001 to over four million today, making COTU one of Africa’s most influential trade unions, second only to the Nigeria Labour Congress.
He stressed that the modern issues facing workers—like globalization, technology, and climate change—demand collaboration between trade unions and the government to create comprehensive policies that ensure workers’ rights are protected in a rapidly changing world.
Atwoli’s comments come as he continues to defend COTU’s engagement with the government, arguing that such collaboration is crucial for addressing the evolving challenges faced by workers in Kenya and beyond.
