The re-election took place on Saturday during a delegates’ conference held at Tom Mboya College in Kisumu, where union members unanimously endorsed Atwoli’s leadership, citing his long-standing experience and track record in championing workers’ rights.
In a show of confidence in his leadership beyond KPAWU, the delegates also granted Atwoli the endorsement to contest for the position of Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions–Kenya (COTU-K) in elections scheduled for August 2026.
Speaking shortly after his re-election, Atwoli expressed gratitude to KPAWU members for renewing his mandate and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the country.
“I want to sincerely thank the members of KPAWU for re-electing me unopposed for another five-year term,” Atwoli said.
“With this renewed mandate and the endorsement to contest for the COTU Secretary General position, I remain committed to advancing the interests and welfare of workers.”
Atwoli has served as KPAWU General Secretary since 1994, making him one of the longest-serving trade union leaders in Kenya.
Atwoli has served as KPAWU General Secretary since 1994, making him one of the longest-serving trade union leaders in Kenya.
His influence later expanded to the national level when he was appointed Secretary General of COTU-K in 2001, a position that significantly elevated his profile within the labour movement.
Under his stewardship, COTU-K has experienced remarkable growth, with membership increasing from approximately 300,000 workers to over four million.
Under his stewardship, COTU-K has experienced remarkable growth, with membership increasing from approximately 300,000 workers to over four million.
The expansion has positioned the organisation as a powerful voice in national labour negotiations and policy discussions.
One of Atwoli’s most notable achievements has been his role in advocating for the entrenchment of labour rights in the 2010 Constitution.
One of Atwoli’s most notable achievements has been his role in advocating for the entrenchment of labour rights in the 2010 Constitution.
The inclusion of workers’ protections in the supreme law strengthened legal safeguards for employees and elevated labour issues to constitutional status.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans were under threat, Atwoli emerged as a key negotiator between workers and the government.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans were under threat, Atwoli emerged as a key negotiator between workers and the government.
He played a leading role in pushing for economic relief measures aimed at cushioning employees from the harsh effects of the crisis.
These interventions included a reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16 per cent to 14 per cent and the exemption of workers earning below Sh24,000 from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.
These interventions included a reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16 per cent to 14 per cent and the exemption of workers earning below Sh24,000 from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.
The measures provided temporary financial relief to workers and helped stabilise household incomes during a period of uncertainty.
Within KPAWU, Atwoli has remained a vocal advocate for plantation and agricultural workers, a group often regarded as among the most vulnerable in the labour sector.
Within KPAWU, Atwoli has remained a vocal advocate for plantation and agricultural workers, a group often regarded as among the most vulnerable in the labour sector.
Through Collective Bargaining Agreements, he has consistently pushed for improved wages, safer working conditions, and enhanced dignity for workers.
In 2020, KPAWU successfully negotiated a salary increase of up to 31 per cent for some categories of workers, a milestone that underscored Atwoli’s negotiating clout and commitment to tangible outcomes.
Beyond Kenya’s borders, Atwoli has also played a prominent role on the global labour stage. He made history as the first individual to serve four consecutive terms on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Governing Body, amplifying African workers’ concerns on the international platform.
Currently, he holds several senior positions within the global labour movement, including President of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, Vice President of the International Trade Union Confederation, and Chairman of both the Global Workers’ Awareness Fund and the East African Trade Union Confederation.
In 2020, KPAWU successfully negotiated a salary increase of up to 31 per cent for some categories of workers, a milestone that underscored Atwoli’s negotiating clout and commitment to tangible outcomes.
Beyond Kenya’s borders, Atwoli has also played a prominent role on the global labour stage. He made history as the first individual to serve four consecutive terms on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Governing Body, amplifying African workers’ concerns on the international platform.
Currently, he holds several senior positions within the global labour movement, including President of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, Vice President of the International Trade Union Confederation, and Chairman of both the Global Workers’ Awareness Fund and the East African Trade Union Confederation.
