Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has indicated that he may retire following the conclusion of President William Ruto’s tenure. Atwoli, who has held the position since 2001, remarked that he has had the opportunity to serve under all the presidents of Kenya, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and now William Ruto. He suggested that Ruto’s presidency might be the last he serves in as COTU SG before retiring back to his home in Khwisero. Atwoli’s tenure at COTU has been marked by significant influence in Kenya’s labor movement.
His potential retirement has sparked discussions about the future leadership of the organization and the legacy of his leadership. As he approaches the end of his current term, which concludes in April 2026, the labor community anticipates a transition that could shape the direction of COTU in the coming years. While Atwoli has not officially announced his retirement, his recent statements suggest that he is contemplating stepping down after decades of service.
The decision will likely be influenced by various factors, including the evolving political landscape and the needs of the labor movement. As the situation develops, stakeholders within COTU and the broader Kenyan labor community will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding Atwoli’s potential retirement.
