Francis Atwoli has been re-elected unopposed as the Secretary General of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), extending his long-standing leadership of one of the country’s most influential labour unions.
Atwoli, a veteran trade unionist and a prominent national figure in labour relations, retained the position after no challenger emerged during the union’s elections. His unopposed re-election reflects continued confidence from union members in his leadership, experience, and ability to represent workers in the plantation and agricultural sectors.
KPAWU represents thousands of workers employed in tea, coffee, sugar, flower farms, and other agricultural enterprises across Kenya. Over the years, Atwoli has been credited with strengthening the union’s bargaining power, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and advocating for improved wages, better working conditions, and enhanced labour protections for workers in the sector.
Speaking after the re-election, Atwoli reiterated his commitment to defending workers’ rights and engaging employers and government institutions through dialogue. He emphasized the need to address persistent challenges facing agricultural workers, including low wages, job insecurity, mechanisation, and the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity.
Atwoli has served as KPAWU Secretary General for decades and is also the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K). His leadership has often placed him at the centre of national debates on labour laws, economic policy, and social protection.
The latest re-election cements Atwoli’s influence within the labour movement and signals continuity in KPAWU’s leadership as the union navigates a rapidly changing economic and employment landscape.