Kenya’s Francis Atwoli Re-Elected At The International Labour For The fifth Time
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), was elected for the fifth time as a titular member of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) governing body.
COTU announced on Monday that Atwoli received the most votes, 97 out of 130, to win.
The election, according to a COTU statement, took place during the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).
The statement stated that Atwoli will hold the position for the next three years.
While reacting to the re-election, Dr. Atwoli said: “This historic re-election not only marks my continued commitment to the international labour movement but also establishes me as the longest-serving member of the ILO Governing Body and I don’t take it for granted.”
Monday’s election strengthens Atwoli’s credentials as a long-time unionist in the local community and a well-known labor movement figure on the international stage.
In addition to his position on the ILO’s governing body, Atwoli is a Vice President of the Global International Trade Union Confederation, Brussels (ITUC Brussels) and a member of the ITUC African Regional Organization’s General Council.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions, COTU (K) Secretary General Dr. Francis Atwoli was, was this afternoon, re-elected for a record fifth time as a Titular Member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body in Geneva, Switzerland. pic.twitter.com/dQWoSblpp9
— COTU KENYA (@COTU_K) June 10, 2024
Atwoli has also been the President of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU).
The COTU Secretary General previously served as General Secretary of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union.
“All these appointments reflect the trust that workers in Kenya, and beyond, have in me, in regards with to contributing to the governance and strategic direction of key institutions in Kenya and beyond. It also speaks to the broad expertise and the years of experience that I have acquired while serving workers worldwide,” the statement issued by COTU read in part.
In addition to his union leadership positions, Atwoli has served on several boards, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), and others.
Despite international appointments and service on several national boards, Atwoli is best known for his role in the national workers union COTU, where he has served for the past two decades.
Kenya’s Francis Atwoli Re-Elected At The International Labour For The fifth Time
