Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli with President William Ruto at Eldoret State Lodge on January 24, 2025.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has defended his engagement with the government, saying it was important for the welfare of workers.
Mr Atwoli said Cotu was committed to advancing the rights and welfare of workers, and that that goal is achieved through social dialogue, which he termed as a cornerstone of tripartism under the International Labour Organization (ILO).
“Social dialogue requires engagement with the government of the day to ensure that labour issues are addressed. This does not equate to political survival or partisanship but rather a pragmatic approach to securing workers' interests,” Mr Atwoli said in a statement on Sunday.
He said the organisation’s achievements, including the negotiation of better wages, promotion of workers' rights, and influencing labour policies, are testaments to this commitment.
He noted that in his capacity as the secretary-general of Cotu, he would continue to engage with the government of the day in the “spirit of social dialogue and mutual cooperation.”
“Our commitment to improving the lives of workers remains unwavering,” the Cotu boss said.
He pointed out that the principle of tripartism is a framework that brings together workers, employers, and the government to address labour issues collaboratively.
“As a trade union, our role is not to play partisan politics but to advocate for workers' welfare. Social dialogue is the tool through which we achieve this,” he said.
Tripartism ensures that workers’ voices are heard at the policy-making table, bridging the gap between labour concerns and national development goals.
By working with the government of the day, regardless of its political alignment, Mr Atwoli believes Cotu will secure critical wins for workers.
The Cotu boss had last week hosted President William Ruto at his rural home in Kakamega, and on several occasions attended his State House meetings.
On Sunday, he however, emphasized that this “pragmatic” approach is not about endorsing political leaders but about ensuring that workers’ issues remain central to national discourse.
“A key example of Cotu’s commitment to workers’ welfare is its support for the recent National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions and the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA). While these measures have faced public skepticism, Atwoli has consistently championed them as essential to safeguarding the future of Kenya’s workforce.”
“Our support for the NSSF deductions is rooted in our belief that workers deserve financial security in retirement,” Atwoli says.
“Without adequate contributions, the system would collapse, leaving millions of workers vulnerable in their old age. This is not just a workers’ issue; it’s a national issue.”
Similarly, the SHA, he noted, is a step toward universal healthcare for all Kenyans, formal and informal workers alike.
“Healthcare is a fundamental right. Through social dialogue, we’ve worked with the government to ensure that the SHA becomes a reality, addressing past inefficiencies under the NHIF and expanding coverage to millions of informal workers,” he explained.
“As Cotu we shall ensure prudent use of the funds.”
Critics have accused Atwoli and Cotu of being too close to the government, thus failing to defend workers’ rights.
Mr Atwoli however, insists that working with the government is about advancing the labour agenda and not compromising it.
“Employers, workers, and the government must work together. That’s the only way we can achieve sustainable labour policies. Opposing the government for the sake of opposition achieves nothing,” he argues.
