Francis Atwoli has received unanimous endorsement from 42 general secretaries of affiliated trade unions to extend his tenure as Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions–Kenya (COTU-K), potentially taking his leadership to 25 years.
The endorsement was reached during a consultative meeting of union leaders held in Nairobi ahead of the formal COTU elections scheduled for August.
Following the meeting, Atwoli confirmed the decision through a statement on his X account, saying the leaders had agreed to back him to continue steering the federation “as a team and in solidarity.”
Atwoli, who first assumed office in 2001, has become one of Kenya’s longest-serving trade union leaders. COTU’s constitution does not impose term limits on the position of secretary general, a provision that has allowed him to seek re-election multiple times over the years.
The endorsement effectively clears his path to another five-year term, barring any unexpected developments during the August elections. Historically, Atwoli has faced little to no opposition within the federation, reflecting his strong grip on COTU’s internal structures and his influence among affiliate unions.
Beyond Kenya, Atwoli maintains a significant international profile. In 2025, he was re-elected Deputy President of the Commonwealth Trade Union Group during elections held in Brussels. The group represents millions of workers across more than 40 countries. His re-election reinforced his standing as a key figure in global labour movements.
Domestically, Atwoli remains a prominent and often controversial public figure. He is a frequent commentator on national economic policy, labour laws, minimum wage negotiations, and social protection for workers. Supporters credit him with defending workers’ interests across successive administrations, while critics argue that his long tenure has stifled leadership renewal within the trade union movement.
Questions have also periodically been raised about governance, transparency, and succession planning at COTU, especially amid growing calls from younger workers and activists for generational change in labour leadership.
Atwoli has consistently dismissed such criticism, arguing that experience and institutional memory are essential in complex labour negotiations.
If formally re-elected later this year, Atwoli will further cement his position as the longest-serving labour leader in Kenya’s history, extending a career that has spanned multiple political eras, economic cycles, and changes in government.
The August elections will ultimately determine whether the endorsement translates into another term, but the unanimous backing from affiliate unions places Atwoli firmly in control as the process approaches.
