The Central Organization of Trade Unions Cotu (K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has reaffirmed the Federation’s steadfast commitment to combating child labour and empowering women in union leadership.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, Atwoli thanked the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its continued collaboration and partnership with Cotu (K) in the fight against child labour.
Atwoli acknowledged that the partnership has played a pivotal role and has been a cornerstone in promoting decent work and protecting vulnerable children in Kenya.
Atwoli expressed concern over the continued prevalence of child labour in Kenya, calling for stronger action to address its underlying drivers.
“Child labour remains a pressing issue in our country. To eradicate it, we must address the root causes — poverty, lack of access to quality education, and weak enforcement of labour standards," Atwoli said.
"These factors continue to push our children into harmful and exploitative work, especially in the agricultural supply chains,” he said.
Atwoli was speaking when he opened the Capacity Building Workshop for Women Trade Unionists on Eliminating Child Labour in Kenya’s Tea and Coffee Sectors at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.
The workshop is part of the ACCEL Africa Project, titled “Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa (ACCEL-Africa)”.
The project aims to strengthen efforts to eliminate child labour in the tea and coffee supply chains across Kisii, Kericho, Meru and Kirinyaga counties.
Recognising the critical role women trade unionists play in promoting rights and advocacy within communities, Atwoli emphasised the importance of women's leadership in the fight against child labour.
“Women trade unionists hold the keys to eradicating child labour in Kenya’s tea and coffee sectors. Women are often closest to the realities within families and communities, and empowering them strengthens the frontline defence against child exploitation.”
He further reiterated Cotu (K)’s duty as the voice of working people.
“As Cotu (K), we shall continue to defend the rights of children and workers alike. Our mission is to ensure that all forms of exploitation are eliminated from our workplaces and communities," he said.
"No child should be deprived of education and dignity, and no parent should be forced to rely on child labour due to poverty or lack of decent work,” the Cotu boss added.
Atwoli concluded by reaffirming the COTU’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and promoting gender equity in union leadership.
“We remain fully committed to eliminating child labour in Kenya and to empowering women in trade unions. Together, we will build a labour movement that safeguards our future generations and upholds dignity for every worker.”
Participants at the workshop are drawn from key Cotu (K) affiliate unions in the tea and coffee value chain, including the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).
Officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers (KUCFW) are also attending the workshop.
