Umbrella labour federation that issues policy positions on worker protections, wage increases, and union governance across Kenya's trade sectors.
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Order a long-term news report on Central Organisation of Trade Unions
Every mention in the Kenyan press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
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Citizen Digital
… He also criticised ODM figures who have aligned themselves with Ruto, naming Siaya Governor James Orengo, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary …
Gachagua launches fresh attack on Ruto over SHA, KRA and ODMThe Standard
… He announced that he was on a mission to unite the Luhya leadership and would reach out to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli to rally behind Sifuna …
Khalwale, Savula clash over western Kenya's political direction ahead of 2027 pollsThe Standard
… He is among 18 KPA workers who were dismissed from KPA employment in July 2015 for participating in an illegal strike called by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu).Employment and Labour Relations Court judge Justice Ocharo Kebira nullified the election of Mr Owuor hel …
Campaigns for next month's DWU election hit the roadThe Standard
… "It was while in SONU that I felt a deep urge and desire to lead this nation," she said.Kendi said she is not a political greenhorn and has a deep understanding of issues affecting the youths and Kenyans, having worked at the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) as an advi …
Ex-University of Nairobi student leader declares presidential bidThe Standard
Audio By VocalizeThe Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has dismissed the recent gazette notice on wage increments, saying it does not reflect the 12 per cent increase as directed by President William Ruto. …
Cotu rejects new wages published by Labour CSThe Standard
… The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) also pledged support for maritime workers, with Assistant Secretary General Caroline Ruto saying the federation would continue advocating for improved working conditions and stronger welfare protections, particularly for women emplo …
Policy hurdles hurt Kenyan's bid to explore opportunities in maritimeThe Standard
… The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) also pledged support for maritime workers, with Assistant Secretary General Caroline Ruto saying the federation would continue advocating for improved working conditions and stronger welfare protections, particularly for women emplo …
Policy hurdles hurt Kenyan's bid to explore opportunities in maritimeThe Standard
Audio By VocalizeCOTU secretary general Francis Atwoli during a press briefing in Nairobi, June, 17, 2026. [Collins Oduor, Standard] The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has welcomed a landmark Employment and Labour Relations Court ruling that could significantly impro …
COTU hails landmark court ruling protecting outsourced workersThe Standard
… ns" and bar the Fund from enforcing the directive to revert.The consumer lobby has sued the NSSF Board of Trustees, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection and the Attorney General.The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) and the Central Organisation of Trade Unions …
COFEK sues NSSF over enhanced contributions, seeks return to Sh200 deductionsCitizen Digital
… Photo/ Jason Mwangi |Citizen TV Audio By Vocalize The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has fired a scathing attack at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, condemning what it terms “unwarranted and reckless attacks” on the country’s labour movement and leadership. …
COTU hits back at Gachagua over ‘reckless attacks’ on labour movementLabour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has appointed COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli to the National Board for Social Protection for a three-year term, alongside Kenneth Odire and Richard Mativu Musau, under the Social Protection Act, 2025.
25 October 2026 · Capital News →
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has appointed COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli to the National Board for Social Protection for a three-year term, alongside Kenneth Odire and Richard Mativu Musau, under the Social Protection Act, 2025.
25 October 2026 · Capital News →
Government-leaning leaders under a broad-based government arrangement have intensified campaigns to rally support for President William Ruto's re-election bid ahead of the 2027 General Election. ODM, led by party National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, campaigned in Turkana North and Lodwar while a separate Kenya Kwanza team traversed Western Kenya, with ODM leaders vowing the party remains united and committed to working with Ruto.
23 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions, arguing that young politicians should build political networks before pursuing national campaigns and cautioning against alliances driven by personal business interests.
22 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions has warned that MPs are making unsubstantiated allegations against the National Social Security Fund that could jeopardise workers' retirement savings and discourage saving. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said parliamentary oversight should not become a platform for sweeping accusations against the institution entrusted with workers' contributions.
19 October 2026 · The Standard →
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions has asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate alleged financial and governance irregularities at the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers, amid a dispute over its leadership following the death of its former general secretary. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the federation sought investigation into possible irregularities involving union records, finances, leadership changes, and the authenticity of documents and signatures used in the leadership dispute.
9 October 2026 · Capital News →
COTU secretary-general Francis Atwoli has called for the amalgamation of trade unions representing workers in Kenya's water sector, warning that the existence of multiple unions weakens employees' bargaining power and could expose them to exploitation. Atwoli noted that about three unions currently claim leadership in water institutions, saying the divisions have weakened workers' collective approach to labour issues.
1 October 2026 · The Standard →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli argued that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna needs more experience, stronger structures, and a wider national network before seeking Kenya's presidency, saying he must "go through stages" and "suffer" to understand how the economy works and the problems facing ordinary Kenyans.
21 September 2026 · The Standard →
COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has called for constitutional amendments to return management of health and land from county governments to the national government, arguing that devolution has exposed these sectors to persistent management challenges and that many counties lack the financial and administrative capacity to effectively manage them.
8 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he would run as Edwin Sifuna's running mate if the Nairobi senator has the strongest numbers to beat President Ruto in 2027, and suggested opposition leaders should prioritise electoral mathematics over personal ambitions when forming their ticket.
6 September 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya Airways says it lost over Ksh.904 million (US$7 million) during a three-day industrial action that resulted in 63 cancelled flights and over 160 flight delays exceeding six hours on average, with additional losses from passenger accommodation costs and over 370 tonnes of cargo unable to be uplifted. The strike was resolved after a Return-to-Work Agreement was signed, and normal operations have resumed.
3 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya Airways reported more than Sh900 million in lost revenue and additional disruption-related costs following a three-day industrial action that disrupted aviation operations across the country. The airline cancelled 63 flights and recorded more than 160 delays, and the disruption also affected Kenya's air-cargo supply chain, with over 370 tonnes of fresh produce and meat unable to be uplifted.
2 September 2026 · The Standard →
Albert Njeru, Treasurer General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions and Secretary General of KUDHEIHA, died on Saturday, August 29, after a short illness. He had served as KUDHEIHA Secretary General for 19 years and as COTU Treasurer for five months.
29 August 2026 · The Standard →
Newly elected Dock Workers Union general secretary Abubakar Abdillahi and his team took office this week and said initial investigation found Sh82 million irregularly withdrawn from one of three union accounts. The matter has been reported to police, and the team has commissioned a comprehensive audit to recover missing funds.
22 August 2026 · The Standard →
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused President Ruto's administration of using state agencies to intimidate Kenyans and mismanaging the Social Health Authority, claiming the KRA targets businesses with tax demands and that delegations visiting Kenya complained about SHA's performance.
19 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale publicly disagreed with Deputy Governor Ayub Savula at a funeral in Lugari constituency over Western region's political path ahead of the 2027 General Election. Khalwale called on Savula to drop support for President William Ruto's re-election bid and instead back Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Thousands of Mombasa port workers are preparing for Dock Workers Union elections scheduled for August 13, with acting general secretary Sulman Owour, former assistant general secretary Abubakar Abdillahi, and KPA operations officer Salim Kumaka competing for positions. An Employment and Labour Relations Court judge nullified the previous April 4 election and ordered fresh polls.
18 July 2026 · The Standard →
Irene Kendi, a 39-year-old former Students Organisation of the University of Nairobi deputy president and youth empowerment activist, has announced her intention to run for the presidency in 2027, citing her leadership experience and work as a strategist for Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, and Raila Odinga.
13 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions has rejected the Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary's recent wage gazette notice, arguing it published only a minimum wage increase rather than the 12 per cent general wage increase that President William Ruto announced. Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the two are distinct interventions, with a general increase benefiting all workers across the wage structure while a minimum wage increase applies only to those earning the statutory minimum.
10 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Seafarers Union of Kenya has warned that Kenya's maritime employment sector is being undermined by the absence of a national wage structure and weak labour protections. The union is pushing for comprehensive legislation to standardise wages, strengthen oversight of recruitment agencies, and improve welfare for Kenyan seafarers, saying local workers earn less than foreign counterparts performing the same duties.
2 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Seafarers Union of Kenya warns that the absence of a national wage structure and weak labour protections are undermining Kenyan seafarers' employment opportunities abroad. The union is pushing for comprehensive legislation to standardise wages, strengthen recruitment agency oversight, and improve welfare protections, noting that Kenyan workers earn less than foreign counterparts for the same duties.
2 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya's Employment and Labour Relations Court issued a June 11 judgment allowing outsourced and casual workers to join trade unions and benefit from collective bargaining agreements at their workplaces. COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli said the ruling would end discrimination between permanent and outsourced employees and improve wages and working conditions.
17 June 2026 · The Standard →
The Consumers Federation of Kenya has filed a constitutional petition seeking to halt enforcement of enhanced NSSF contribution rates, arguing the directive is unconstitutional and defies a Court of Appeal ruling. COFEK wants employers to revert to a flat monthly contribution of Sh200 pending the appeal hearing.
16 June 2026 · The Standard →
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what it calls "unwarranted and reckless attacks" on Kenya's labour movement and leadership, saying he has no authority in workers' affairs. COTU also clarified that Francis Atwoli's endorsement of President William Ruto was a personal view, not the union's official position.
6 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has clarified that the 12 per cent wage increase announced by President William Ruto during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County is a general wage adjustment, not a minimum wage increment.
3 May 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto announced that salaried workers will now pay 5 percent of the unit's value as a deposit for affordable housing, down from the previous 10 percent. He called on trade unions to mobilise members to register on the Boma Yangu platform and apply for available housing categories.
1 May 2026 · Capital News →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has pressured President William Ruto to accelerate ratification of ILO Conventions 189 and 190, which protect domestic workers and address workplace violence and harassment, noting that the President previously committed to advancing the ratification process during the 2025 Labour Day celebrations but little progress has been made.
1 May 2026 · Capital News →
Trade unions in Kenya were founded as instruments of worker protection and collective bargaining, with roots in the anti-colonial struggle of the 1940s–50s. The article examines how unions like KNUT (established 1957), COTU (1965), KUPPET (1998), and UASU (2003) have evolved under Kenya's Labour Relations Act of 2007 and constitutional frameworks, emphasizing the need for democratic representation and sector-specific service to active workers.
1 May 2026 · The Standard →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli called on the IEBC to take firm action against political rallies occurring before an official campaign period is announced, warning that workers will suffer most if political tensions and polarisation escalate into national instability.
1 May 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto announced a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural wages during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County. The announcement comes as the Central Organisation of Trade Unions had requested a 23 per cent wage increment.
1 May 2026 · The Standard →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for urgent reforms in service delivery and urban planning in Nairobi under Governor Johnson Sakaja, saying the capital is disorganised and not functioning effectively despite its status as the country's economic hub. Atwoli also called for accountability and transparency in governance, and stressed that an agreed 23 per cent salary increase for workers should be implemented without delay.
27 April 2026 · The Standard →