Francis Atwoli
Francis Atwoli; (born 6 June 1949) is a Kenyan Trade Unionist who is currently serving as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU). He has served in that capacity, since he was first elected in 2001.[1]
EBS, MBS Francis Atwoli | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 June 1949 |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Citizenship | Kenya |
| Alma mater | Cavendish University Uganda National Labor College University of Turin |
| Occupation | Trade Unionist |
| Years active | 1967 — present |
| Known for | Politics |
| Title | Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions of Kenya. |
Career
In his role as a representative of Kenyan workers, Atwoli has expressed criticism of politicians on issues such as their refusal to pay taxes on their allowances, and dabbling in corruption. He has also been critical of non-governmental bodies and global institutions including the World Bank, interfering with labor disputes. He openly supports police officers when they advocate for the creation of a police officers’ union.[2]
- 2001 – to-date: Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions Kenya.
- 1994 – to-date: General Secretary of the Kenya Plantation & Agricultural Workers Union.
- 1986 – 1994: Director of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, Kenya.
- 1971 – 1986: Branch Secretary, Union of Posts and Telecommunication Employees.
- 1967 – 1986: Senior Technician at Kenya Posts & Telecommunication Corporation.
Elected positions and appointments
| Dates | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 to date | Elected the President of the Pan African Labour movement, the Organization of African Trade Union Unity, OATUU | |
| 2008 to date | Elected as Member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization, (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland | |
| 2011 to date | Elected Board Member of Training Centre of the International Labour Organization in Turin, Italy | |
| 2001 to date | Member, Board of Trustees at the National Social Security Fund (Kenya) (NSSF) | |
| 2001 to date | Council Member of National Industrial Training Authority of Kenya (NITA) | |
| 2001 to 2010 | Member of National Aids Control Council of Kenya (NACC) | |
| 2001 to 2007 | Elected Vice President of the former ICFTU-AFRO in Nairobi, Kenya | |
| 2003 to date | Elected every year as Director of National Bank of Kenya | |
| 2003 to 2009 | Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) | |
| 2004 to date | Member of National Labour Board of Kenya | |
| 2005 to date | Elected Deputy President of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) based in Accra, Ghana | |
| 2005 to date | Elected President of Trade Union Federation of Eastern Africa (TUFEA) based in Khartoum, Sudan | |
| 2005 to date | Elected Executive Board Member and now serving Vice President of International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, based in Brussels, Belgium | |
| 2005 to date | Elected Chairman of East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) based in Arusha, Tanzania | |
Other considerations
In addition to his responsibilities at COTU, Francis Atwoli has the following additional responsibilities:
- Independent Non-Executive Director, National Bank of Kenya
- Chairman, East African Trade Union Confederation.
- President, Trade Union Federation of Eastern Africa
- President, Organisation of African Trade Union Unity
- Member, Governing Body, International Labour Organization
- Vice President, International Labour Conference
- Vice President, The International Trade Union Confederation[3][4]
- Secretary General, Kenya Plantation & Agricultural Workers Union.
Awards
He is a recipient of both the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) and the Moran of the Burning Spear, (MBS) awards in recognition of his role in Championing for Social Justice. .
Masinde Muliro of University of Science and Technology awarded Atwoli with an honorary Doctorate of humane letter D. Litt .
Family
Mr. Atwoli is married to Three wives, Jenifer Khainza Atwoli Roselinder Simiyu And Mary Kilobi, [5] Mr. Francis Atwoli has seventeen children. [6]
References
- COTU Kenya (2019). "The History of The Central Organization of Trade Unions, COTU (Kenya): Francis Atwoli of KPAWU Elected COTU Secretary General". Nairobi: Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU Kenya). Retrieved 24 February 2019.
- Barasa, Lucas (1 May 2009). "Atwoli pushes for creation of union to champion police officers' rights". Daily Nation. Nairobi: Nation Media Group. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
- Keter, Gideon (6 June 2013). "Atwoli lands key position in Geneva". The Star (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
- Standard Reporter (8 December 2018). "Francis Atwoli bags fouth term at agency". The Standard (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
- Star Reporter (16 August 2018). "This man Atwoli: A loyal wife, a Sh5 million gold watch and 17 children". The Star (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
- Esther Muchene (August 2018). "Ninaweza kazi! Francis Atwoli speaks on marriage to Mary Kilobi". SDE.co.ke. Nairobi. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
External links
- Atwoli: Foul-Mouthed Liability Or A Straight-Shooting Realist? As at 21 April 2019.
- You've failed Kenya, Kibaki and Raila told As of 19 February 2009.