COTU Boss Atwoli Blasts MPs Over Weak Laws on Worker Exploitation

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has challenged the Members of Parliament to tighten laws on worker exploitation to ensure that companies are not exploiting Kenyan workers in the New Year 2025.

Speaking while giving his official message on the New Year, Atwoli condemned companies that are outsourcing workers, casualization employment, and poor contracts that have poor working conditions portraying Kenyans as slaves.

Atwoli pointed out cases of companies that are underpaying Kenyans or those that are asking one of their employers to source for employees and pay them lower wages.

According to Atwoli, such practices are against the law not just in Kenya but also according to international law relations. Atwoli has revealed that the exploitation of labour is against the law worldwide, and the MPs should come out with laws that will protect Kenyans from it.

Atwoli has blamed the MPs for sleeping on the job, especially the Labour Committee in Parliament headed by the Vihiga MP Ernest Kivai. Atwoli, in his message, challenged the committee to ensure that Kenyans are not being exploited.

“It is the responsibility of the Labour Committee to ensure that those companies employing workers as casualties instead of giving work contracts and companies outsourcing employees yet Kenyans are unemployed should face the law,” Atwoli noted.

The outspoken unionist blamed these employers for the increased worker protests that have been faced in the country. Kenya faced protests from teachers, doctors, and medical interns, among other workers whose most concern was underpayment.

“I urge the Ministry of Labour to ensure that there are enough labour inspectors and labour commissioners to follow up on employers who are not following the law and arraign them in court,” Atwoli continued.

Atwoli revealed that these laws are the only way to free Kenyans from exploiters, promote equality, and foster better employment in this new year.

Although there are laws that govern against employee exploitation in Kenya, Atwoli now wants Parliament to ensure that the laws are enforced and those going against them are jailed.

Article 41 of the Constitution provides for labour relations, ensuring every worker has the right to fair remuneration, reasonable working conditions, and the right to join or participate in a trade union. The Employment Act of 2007 sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment, including non-discrimination, payment of wages, leave, termination, and living amenities.

Atwoli has promised the Kenyan workers that as the New Year continues, the worker’s organisation is going to continue with its efforts to ensure the rights of Kenyan workers are adhered to.