Atwoli calls on Kenyans working abroad to register with Diplomatic Missions

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu-K) has called on all Kenyan workers currently working abroad to register themselves with Kenyan Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates and Permanent Missions in their respective countries of residence or employment.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli in a statement on Thursday acknowledged that Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as a labour-exporting nation, hence the need for proper documentation of those travelling or currently working abroad.

According to Atwoli, having all Kenyan workers abroad properly documented and recognised through official government channels will ensure any challenges they face are addressed by the government.

"It is a matter of importance that our workers abroad are properly documented and recognised through official government channels so that in the event of any challenges, emergencies or disputes, the Kenyan government can offer timely protection, assistance, and accountability," Atwoli said.

The Cotu boss has further advised Kenyan activists against exporting their activism beyond Kenyan borders, saying that often engaging in activities may not only expose themselves to foreign legal consequences but also risk the welfare and reputation of other Kenyan workers in those countries.

Atwoli said over the past six months, Cotu has been receiving distress calls from Kenyan workers abroad who are deeply concerned by a growing trend where a few individuals with activist inclinations sneak out of the country to export their activism beyond Kenyan borders.

"For instance, on May 26, 2025, I addressed the press and warned the Kenyan activists who had gone to Tanzania that Kenyan workers in Tanzania were facing a lot of discrimination, with some having their work permits terminated or not renewed, because of the unbecoming trend of exporting activism and not our precious human resource," Atwoli warned.

He said it was uncalled for to blame the Kenyan government, mostly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should they experience any challenges in foreign countries, yet they do so without following the proper channels to document themselves.

"It is the position of Cotu that those who stealthily sneak out of the country without following the known procedures and protocols, and without respecting the laws and rules of other sovereign states, should not incite or seek sympathy from innocent Kenyans who had no idea when and why they left.

"It is equally very unfair to apportion blame to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for not offering protection to individuals who left the country without their knowledge," Atwoli said.

Atwoli on the other hand warned that incidences of Kenyans being mistreated and disrespected in their own country by foreign nations will not be tolerated, saying such individuals should be deported immediately.

He reiterated Cotu's commitment to continue protecting the dignity of Kenyan labour both locally and abroad and urged all workers to remain law-abiding ambassadors of Kenya wherever they go.