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Nairobi, Kenya – Francis Atwoli, a familiar name in Kenya’s labour movement, has once again secured a top seat in global trade union politics. The Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has been re-elected as Deputy President of the Commonwealth Trade Union Group (CTUG), one of the most powerful worker advocacy networks across the Commonwealth.
CTUG, which brings together national trade union centres from over 40 countries, speaks for more than 70 million workers. Since its start in 1979 — then called the Commonwealth Trade Union Council — the group has worked to defend the rights of working people and shape labour policy at the highest levels.
“This re-election is not just a personal honour,” Atwoli told reporters. “It’s a vote of confidence in the struggles we lead for workers, both at home and across borders.”
The re-election was confirmed during a recent gathering of CTUG members. The group has a long history of engaging with leaders during Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM), where it pushes for resolutions that reflect workers’ needs. At last year’s CHOGM in Apia, Samoa, CTUG was instrumental in shaping labour-related proposals that were later adopted by heads of state.
Experts say the reappointment strengthens Kenya’s position in international labour talks. “Having someone like Atwoli in that role gives our labour movement a stronger voice globally,” said Dr. Maureen Anyango, a labour relations analyst in Nairobi.
Atwoli’s presence in global labour forums isn’t new. He also serves as Vice President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which is based in Brussels. Over the years, he has built a reputation for outspoken defence of workers, especially in the face of rising economic pressures and shrinking job security.
Still, his leadership has not been without critics. Some say the trade union movement in Kenya could do more to tackle local challenges like casual labour, wage disputes, and safety violations. But others argue that Atwoli’s experience gives Kenya valuable visibility on the world stage.
CTUG, renamed from CTUC in 2004, continues to act as a bridge between workers and the Commonwealth’s decision-makers. With Atwoli back in office, the group is expected to keep pushing for stronger protections and fairer labour policies.
“The job is far from done,” Atwoli said. “We must continue to speak boldly and act swiftly wherever workers’ rights are under threat.”
For now, that message appears to have found an audience not just at home — but across the globe.
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