President Ruto to open international labour meet in Nairobi
Nairobi
By
Ronald Kipruto
| Nov 24, 2023
President William Ruto will next week Tuesday open the 5th Congress of International Confederation of Trade Unions- Africa (ITUC-Africa) in Nairobi.
The congress hosted by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) will convene over 500 delegates, including Trade Unionists and leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Speaking in Nairobi after the 111th Executive Board Meeting, Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of COTU said that preparations are underway towards ensuring the success of the meeting.
He said the participants will discuss the future of labor in Africa and the role of trade unions in shaping and facilitating the attainment of Africa
“We are appealing to the colleagues, workers during the opening ceremony to turn up in large numbers because this is the first time in our history to host such a huge continental conference this year,” Atwoli said.
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He said the cost of living that has skyrocketed across the globe will also be discussed as a major concern affecting the workers in the continent.
Following the board meeting, Atwoli announced that Joel Kandie Chebii was elected as the Chairman General of COTU.
Chebii, has served in COTU for more than four decades now and also holds the position of General Secretary of the Tiles and Textile Workers Union.
The position was left vacant in August this year following the death of Rajab Mwondi.
Wycliffe Nyamwatta was also elected as the second Vice Chairman General, he has two decades of service on the COTU Executive Board.
Nyamwatta continues to serve as the General Secretary of the Kenya Engineering Workers Union.
Atwoli urged the newly elected leaders to champion the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers, emphasizing the significance of unity and solidarity.
“Stability is key to any organization and as COTU, we shall continue ensuring that the Union is united and stable so as to serve Kenyan workers,” said Atwoli.