Francis Atwoli, a prominent figure in Kenyan trade unionism, has once again been re-elected unopposed as the General Secretary of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) for another five-year term.
This significant development occurred during a delegates meeting held at Tom Mboya College in Kisumu on Saturday, January 17, 2026, where union members overwhelmingly endorsed his continued leadership.
His re-election reinforces his long-standing dominance in Kenya’s labor movement, a position he has held since 1994.
Atwoli’s unopposed victory is seen as a strong vote of confidence from KPAWU members, who represent thousands of workers in critical agricultural sectors such as tea, coffee, flowers, and other plantation-based industries.
In his acceptance remarks, Atwoli expressed gratitude, stating, “I want to thank the members of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union for re-electing me unopposed for another five-year term.” He further reaffirmed his commitment to advancing workers’ interests and improving their welfare.
Beyond his role at KPAWU, Atwoli is also the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K), a position he has held since 2001. His re-election at KPAWU comes with an endorsement from delegates to contest for the COTU-K Secretary General position in the upcoming August elections.
He is seeking a sixth term as COTU-K Secretary General, having already received unanimous endorsement from 42 secretary generals of COTU-affiliated unions on January 6.
Atwoli’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements and growth. Under his leadership, COTU-K’s membership has surged from approximately 300,000 workers to over four million, transforming it into one of the most powerful labor voices in the country.
A key achievement cited is his successful advocacy for the inclusion of labor rights in the 2010 Constitution, providing workers with protections beyond mere policies and regulations. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he negotiated crucial relief measures with the government, including a reduction in VAT and PAYE tax exemptions for lower-income workers, directly benefiting struggling families.
Within KPAWU, Atwoli has consistently championed better pay and working conditions for agricultural workers through Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Notably, he secured a 31 percent salary increase for some workers in 2020.
He has also been a vocal advocate for safer working environments and dignity for plantation laborers, many of whom have historically been overlooked. KPAWU, under his stewardship, has grown to represent over 650,000 workers and manages more than 30 active CBAs.
Atwoli’s influence extends internationally, where he has served four consecutive terms on the International Labour Organisation Governing Body. He currently holds leadership positions such as President of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, Vice President of the International Trade Union Confederation, and Chairman of both the Global Workers’ Awareness Fund and the East African Trade Union Confederation.
In June 2025, he was also unanimously re-elected as Deputy President of the Commonwealth Trade Union Group.
His continued leadership, while celebrated by supporters for its institutional memory and combative negotiating style, has also drawn criticism regarding the entrenchment of a personality-driven union culture and the crowding out of younger leadership.
Nevertheless, his re-election solidifies his position as an unshakeable force in Kenya’s labor and political spheres.
