Dili Yamuivia Again Atwoli, Is Unanimously Approved by COTU Officers to Run for the 6th Term

Francis Atwoli has been unanimously supported by all trade unions affiliated with COTU-K ahead of the August elections
The endorsement followed a high-level meeting with 42 general secretaries of trade unions, who agreed to nominate him as the union’s candidate.
If re-elected, Atwoli’s tenure as COTU general secretary will reach 25 years, marking a historic milestone in the labor movement in Kenya

General Secretary of the Central Organization of Trade Unions of Kenya (COTU-K) Francis Atwoli is on course to secure another term at the helm of the labor movement in Kenya, a victory that would extend his tenure to 25 years.

COTU-K General Secretary Francis Atwoli during the last meeting. The leader of the workers’ union was approved to run for the 6th term in office. Photo: COTU.
Source: Twitter

The long-serving trade unionist achieved a rare show of unity on Tuesday, January 6, after all affiliated trade unions backed his re-election bid ahead of the August election.

Atwoli hosted a consultation lunch attended by 42 general secretaries from COTU-K member unions.

Did the COTU member unions agree to support Atwoli for another term?

Sharing details of the meeting on his social media, Atwoli said the approval was unanimous and showed solidarity within the federation as it prepares for the crucial election season.

“Today, in my capacity as general secretary of COTU (K), I hosted 42 general secretaries from affiliated unions for a preparatory lunch, where they unanimously approved me to lead them in the COTU (K) elections scheduled for August this year, as a team and in solidarity,” Atwoli said on X.

The support paves the way for Atwoli to continue to hold that powerful position, further strengthening his rule within the trade union movement in Kenya.

Francis Atwoli: A prominent figure in the history of workers in Kenya

Francis Atwoli is widely regarded as one of the most influential trade union leaders Kenya has ever had.

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He has served as the general secretary of COTU-K since August 2001 and has successfully defended the seat in many elections.

Born in 1949 in what is now Kakamega county, Atwoli’s activism began at the shop floor in the late 1960s when he worked at the former East African Postal and Telecommunications Corporation.

His rise through the trade union ranks saw him become branch secretary, national coordinator, and later general secretary of the Kenya Farming and Agriculture Workers Association before rising to the COTU head office.

Under his leadership, the COTU evolved into a major social and political force, representing millions of workers and playing an important role in wage negotiations, labor laws, and constitutional debates.

Outside of Kenya’s borders, Atwoli has held senior positions within global labor organizations, including the International Labor Organization and the World Trade Union Confederation, giving him an international reputation.