Francis Atwoli has been re-elected unopposed as Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) for the sixth time during the 15th Quinquennial Governing Council Delegates Conference and elections held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

 Atwoli, 76, has led COTU since 2001 after succeeding the late Joseph Mugalla. he is expected to continue serving in his post for the next five years.

During the conference and elections, several other officials were also re-elected unopposed to various leadership positions.

They include Rajabu Mwondi, Rev. Joel Chebii, Francis Murage, Benson Okwaro, Ernest Nadome, Carolyne Rutto, Rebecca Nyathogora, Wasington Adongo, Francis Wangara, Joseph Nyabiya, and Nelson Mwaniki.

In his acceptance remarks, Atwoli said the renewed mandate reflected the confidence of affiliate unions and pledged to continue advancing workers’ interests.

“This renewed mandate is not mine alone, it belongs to the millions of workers whose rights and welfare COTU (K) continues to defend and advance.”

Before his election, he was the general secretary of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union and also held senior positions in the Union of Posts and Telecommunication Employees he has served in multiple roles across government and international NGOs.

Atwoli’s re-election came two months after he secured unanimous backing from 42 general secretaries of affiliated trade unions. He had hosted the union leaders for a preparatory lunch meeting, where they pledged solidarity and support for his bid.

Now re-elected, he extends his leadership into a 25th year, solidifying his status as one of Kenya’s longest-serving labour leaders.

His influence also stretches internationally. Last June, he was unanimously re-elected deputy president of the Commonwealth Trade Union Group (CTUG) during a meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

The CTUG brings together national trade union centers from Commonwealth countries, representing over 70 million workers across more than 40 nations.