Francis Atwoli, a veteran union leader, has been confirmed without contest as the Secretary-General of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) in a move that both strengthens his power over one of the country’s largest and most influential unions and foreshadows a larger push by the top leaders of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) who are in the positions.
Delegates officially confirmed Atwoli’s return to power through a vote on Sunday night, which is a clear indication of his long-lasting power in the labor movement of Kenya.
The unopposed win—a rare incident in the often contentious elections for trade unions in Kenya—indicates that Atwoli’s power within KPAWU, a union with a membership of tens of thousands of workers in the agricultural and plantation sectors across the country, is now firmly established.
During the voting process in Nairobi, union members glorified his leadership mainly in connection with his negotiation for wages, obtaining grants through collective bargaining, and extending the coverage of worker protection. Some delegates called his unopposed re-election a “mandate confirmed by consensus.”
Those who are close to Atwoli claim that the support for him shows his guidance in preparing for the next COTU leadership elections, where he is considered a serious contender for the rather powerful Secretary-General post.
If Atwoli becomes the COTU’s new secretary-general, the whole scenario of the organized labor in Kenya would be changed, and the influence of the union federation in the political field would certainly be enhanced.
Political experts observe that Atwoli’s characteristics—combative, vocal, and brilliant in uniting great numbers of workers—throughout the years have at times put him in conflict with state and business interests but also made him a strong advocate for workers’ rights, wage parity, and social justice.
His opponents maintain that a single leader at the helm for a long time discourages the emergence of new talent within the labor movement, whereas the ones on the other side argue that this very individual’s experience and connections are still the best.
The era of Atwoli’s leadership has also seen major national controversies, such as the minimum wage negotiation talks, employer conflicts, and labor law reforms, among others. His re-election coincides with the Kenyan labor market, which is trying to survive an intricate economic situation brought about by the rising cost of living, high youth unemployment, and demands for more worker protections.
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