Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), has once again addressed questions surrounding his retirement. The query, posed by a user on the social media platform X, touched on a recurring topic that has shadowed his illustrious career. Atwoli, who has held the position since 2001, offered a spirited response, emphasizing that his tenure is guided by the will of trade union members and not personal preference.
The user asked plainly, “Mr. Atwoli, when will you retire?” Atwoli, known for his quick wit and unfiltered remarks, replied, “Uliza tu hiyo swali hiyo kitu ikutoke (Just ask and get it off your chest).” He then elaborated, pointing out that his position as COTU boss is not an appointment but an elective role determined by union members.
Service Over Retirement
Atwoli underscored his commitment to serving the interests of Kenyan workers, a responsibility he feels deeply accountable for. “I’m here servicing the interests of trade union members. If you join a union, you will understand my role and that of COTU,” he added.
This recent exchange mirrors similar discussions earlier in the year when Atwoli clarified that his retirement is not a decision he can make unilaterally. In an April 2024 interview with Citizen TV, he reiterated that his retirement would be determined by the workers who have consistently re-elected him.
“I wanted to retire in 2011, and they said no. I wanted to retire in 2016, they said no. In 2021, I said now you will decide, but I’m still around,” he said.
Milestones in Leadership
Atwoli’s career spans over two decades of advocating for the rights of workers. Since his first election as COTU Secretary General in 2001, he has championed social justice, better working conditions, and accountable governance. His influence extends beyond Kenya, as evidenced by his re-election in November 2023 as the President of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) during its 12th Congress in Algiers, Algeria.
He also serves as the General Secretary of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), further cementing his legacy as a tireless advocate for labor rights.
Elective Mandate
Atwoli maintains that the trust of union members has been the cornerstone of his tenure. Following his re-election in April 2021, he pledged to serve with “all his might and strength” until the conclusion of his term in April 2026. By that time, he will have served for 25 years as COTU Secretary General, a milestone that underscores his enduring relevance and the confidence workers have placed in him.
The veteran labor leader attributes his longevity to the qualities that union members see in him. “I have been at the helm of trade unions for some time and am the long-serving elected International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body representative for Africa,” he said.
Despite expressing a willingness to step aside for others, Atwoli noted that union members have consistently refused to let him retire. “The Africans have refused. I wanted to leave for Tanzanians, and they said no,” he revealed.
The Road Ahead
Atwoli has signaled that any announcement regarding his future will come from union members, not from him personally. While the 74-year-old leader acknowledges the inevitability of retirement, his focus remains firmly on delivering for the workers he represents.
As his current term progresses, Atwoli’s leadership continues to provoke discussions about succession, representation, and the evolving role of trade unions in modern labor movements. Whether or not he decides to step down in 2026, his impact on Kenya’s labor landscape remains indelible.
