Atwoli’s leadership was reaffirmed during the 15th Quinquennial Delegates Conference on March 14, 2026 where he received strong support from delegates representing millions of Kenyan workers. He thanked them for their confidence and pledged to continue serving with commitment.
Francis Atwoli has begun his sixth term as Secretary General of Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU K), extending his leadership to 2031. In a post on his official X account, he urged all Kenyan workers who are not yet members of a trade union to join one, calling unions the strongest platform for protecting rights and dignity in the workplace.
“As I begin this new term, I urge all Kenyan workers who are not yet members of a trade union to join one. Trade unions remain the strongest platform for protecting workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring fairness and dignity in the workplace,” said Atwoli.
Francis Atwoli is one of the most prominent figures in Kenya’s labor movement. He has held this position continuously since August 2001, making him the longest‑serving head of the country’s main trade union umbrella.
Recent Leadership Affirmation
Atwoli’s leadership was reaffirmed during the 15th Quinquennial Delegates Conference on March 14, 2026 where he received strong support from delegates representing millions of Kenyan workers. He thanked them for their confidence and pledged to continue serving with commitment.
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He also secured backing from 42 General Secretaries of COTU‑affiliated unions, underscoring his influence in Kenya’s labor movement.
COTU‑K is Kenya’s primary labor umbrella organization, representing workers across agriculture, manufacturing, education, transport, and other sectors. It advocates for labor rights, fair pay, and improved working conditions nationwide.
National and International Roles
Atwoli has played a significant role in shaping labor policy in Kenya and represents Kenyan workers in international forums.
He is the President of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), re‑elected in November 2023 during the 12th Congress in Algiers, Algeria, marking his third term.
At the global level, he is a titular member of the Governing Body of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
He also serves as Deputy President of the Commonwealth Trade Union Group (CTUG), re‑elected unanimously in June 2025.
Early Career and Growth
Before joining COTU‑K in 2001, Francis Atwoli had already built a long career in Kenya’s labor movement, most prominently as General Secretary of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) from 1994.
His early experiences in Kakamega and Nairobi shaped his empathy for workers, and he rose through the ranks of agricultural and plantation labor organizing before stepping into national and international union leadership.
In August 2001, Atwoli was elected Secretary‑General of COTU‑K, succeeding Job Nyabola.
His prior experience at KPAWU gave him credibility among grassroots workers and union leaders, enabling him to consolidate power at the national level.
Under his leadership, COTU‑K has remained a strong voice for workers’ rights, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and labor protections. Despite debates about his long tenure, Atwoli continues to be one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s labor and civil society.
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