COTU (K) At a Glance

Institutional Outlook

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) is the sole national trade union center in Kenya. COTU (K) was founded in 1965 upon dissolution of the Kenya Federation of Labour and the African Workers' Congress. COTU (K) is registered and operates within the provisions of the Trade Unions Act (Chapter 233) of the Laws of Kenya. Currently, COTU (K) affiliates 36 registered trade unions in the country, and has a membership of about 1 million workers. Since its formation in 1965, the workers umbrella body has endeavoured to create, develop and maintain a comprehensive social framework for championing the rights of workers and advocating for humane and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity. COTU (K)'s activities have been geared towards strengthening the affiliated unions; promoting worker education; lobbying and advocating for appropriate employment and labour market policies, and legal regimes; articulating workers' views and representation at national, regional and international levels; and building solidarity, alliances, partnership and networks with government, private sector, regional and international trade union confederations and other labour support institutions.

Our Vision
COTU (K) vision is to develop a work force that enjoys a sustainable decent work environment.

Our Mission
COTU (K) exists to promote the creation of productive and sustainable employment opportunities, facilitate achievement of workers' rights, enhance social protection and provide effective representation to Kenyan workers.

Our Mandate and Objects COTU (K)'s objectives are to:

1. Improve the economic and social conditions of all workers in all parts of Kenya;
2. Assist in the complete organisation of all workers in the trade union movement.
3. Organise the structure and spheres of influence and amalgamation of trade unions affiliated to COTU (K).
4. Assist in settling disputes between members of trade unions and their employers or between the trade unions and their members or employees of one union and employees of another union, or between two or more trade unions.
5. Encourage the principles of the development and maintenance of good relations between employees and employers.
6. Secure adequate and effective representation in bodies dealing with labour and employment policies and legislation.
7. Establish and maintain funds by means of membership fees, monthly contributions, donations, subscriptions, levies and by borrowing on such security and such terms as may from time to time be arranged by the Executive Board; and
8. Set up appropriate committees to provide training, education and other facilities and enterprise for the advancement of workers and the labour movement in general.

Our Values and Principles

COTU (K) subscribes to the following values and principles:

	Collaboration and teamwork
	Participatory leadership
	Respect for the rights and privileges of workers
	Worker solidarity
	Tripartism
	Professionalism and Integrity
	Innovation and Continuous Learning
	Results-Orientation