The Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, has stirred debate after stating that Kenya does not require young leaders, despite ongoing calls for generational change in the country’s leadership.
Speaking during the official opening of the Third Edition of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III) held at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Atwoli emphasized the importance of retaining experienced leaders. According to him, the “old guard” plays a crucial role in sustaining solid leadership and ensuring consistent national development.
Let no one tell you that this country needs young leaders. Nowhere in the world [is that the case]. How old is Donald Trump? Even the Italian president is 93 — he has to be assisted to the podium
Francis AtwoliCiting his own 24-year tenure as COTU boss, Atwoli argued that Kenyan workers have kept him in the position because they trust in his leadership and do not wish to replace him.
Even me, why do you think workers in Kenya have stuck with me all these years? They don’t want to let me go
Francis AtwoliFocus on Child Welfare
Beyond leadership debates, Atwoli also spoke on the need to protect children’s rights by ensuring families have access to decent livelihoods. He reiterated COTU’s commitment to advocating for stronger social protections.
The symposium, which focused on child welfare, labour laws, and access to justice, was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome. In her address, CJ Koome stressed the urgent need to intensify the fight against child labour in Kenya.
High Court Judge Antony Mrima echoed the Chief Justice’s sentiments, calling for national collaboration in ending child exploitation.
The elimination of child labour cannot be done by the judiciary alone. May our conversations in this symposium inspire bold and practical steps to protect children and secure their full potential
Francis AtwoliConclusion
The Third Edition of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III) was themed “Elimination of All Forms of Child Labour and Access to Justice.” The event brought together stakeholders from across the justice, labour, and human rights sectors to deliberate on sustainable strategies to combat child labour and ensure fair access to justice for all.
