Workers suffer as Atwoli 'too young' to retire at 75

At 75, Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu), faces mounting scrutiny over his tenure.

Despite his age, Atwoli’s supporters argue he remains vibrant and essential to Kenya’s labour movement.

“He may seem the oldest locally, but globally, he’s among the youngest trade union leaders,” said Moses Ndiema, a Cotu board member, on Tuesday. “We love him, and the board’s decision to back Atwoli is firm.”

As Kenya marks its 60th Labour Day, many private-sector workers grapple with low wages, long hours without benefits, and limited career growth.

They are demanding the revival of wage councils, harmonised labour laws, and better representation.

Atwoli, addressing affiliates at Cotu headquarters on April 24, hinted at a possible exit. “Soon, I may leave with my team, and only then will you see cracks in Kenya’s labour movement,” he said.

His remarks fueled speculations. But the Cotu executive board quickly dismissed these claims, insisting Atwoli’s comments were misconstrued.

Today marks Atwoli’s 24th year leading Cotu, a milestone he will also celebrate in August as the longest-serving trade union leader in Kenya’s history. Since assuming office in 2001, succeeding Joseph Jolly Mugalla, Atwoli has outlasted predecessors like Clement Lubembe (1966–1969), Denis Akumu (1969–1975), Juma Boy (1975–1984), and Justus Mulei (1984–1986).

However, Kenya’s labour market has grown increasingly fragmented, with splinter unions emerging due to perceived inadequate representation by larger bodies like Cotu. While umbrella unions wield significant bargaining power, smaller groups struggle to influence employers, weakening the collective fight for workers’ rights.

Atwoli recently faced criticism following a meeting convened by County Governance Watch, a group advocating workers’ rights, attended by Labour Cabinet Secretary  Alfred Mutua.

Atwoli dismissed the group, claiming, “they know nothing about labour laws. I brought the five sets of laws that replaced colonial legislation.”

Moses Otieno, leader of the Protective Guard Association of Kenya, accused Atwoli of delivering minimal benefits for workers. “Atwoli has been in the trade union for too long with little to show for it,” he said. “He’s taken advantage of workers’ vulnerabilities and the labour movement’s fragmentation for personal gain.”

He alleged his leadership stems from “well-orchestrated impunity” and political alliances that prioritise his interests over workers’ welfare.

Responding to the Cotu board’s claim that Atwoli is “still young” to retire, Otieno called their support “compromised,” arguing that Atwoli has distanced himself from low-income workers, allowing mismanagement and stagnation in the labour sector.

Atwoli’s tenure has not been without achievements. Cotu membership reportedly grew from 300,000 to millions, enhancing its bargaining power. He played a pivotal role in embedding labour rights in the 2010 Constitution and contributed to law reforms aligned with the International Labour Organisation standards.

Atwoli’s global roles, including president of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity and vice president of the International Trade Union Confederation, have elevated Kenya’s profile in international labour movement. He also oversaw the renovation of the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu by recovering grabbed land.

Yet, criticism persists. Atwoli’s close ties with successive governments, termed by Azimio leader Raila Odinga in 2023 as being “in bed with the government”, have raised concerns about his independence. Critics argue this alignment weakens Cotu’s ability to challenge anti-worker policies. His failure to deliver on threats, such as a general strike over NHIF corruption, and Cotu’s loss in a 2010 legal challenge against NHIF rate hikes have dented his credibility.

His long tenure has also drawn accusations of complacency and personal enrichment.

The lack of progress on modern labour issues, like the gig economy, and ongoing grievances over collective bargaining agreements and labour law enforcement highlight gaps in his leadership.

Tom Mboya, Kenya’s first trade unionist, wrote in Freedom and After that trade unions should drive workers’ social and economic development. Sixty-two years later, these aspirations remain elusive for many low-income workers.