Atwoli Appointed to Social Protection Board For 3 Years
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| Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli |
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced the appointment through Gazette Notice No. 16730 dated October 23, 2026. The appointments were made under Section 10(f) of the Social Protection Act, 2025.
Atwoli to Serve for Three Years
According to the Gazette notice, Atwoli will serve alongside Kenneth Odire and Richard Mativu Musau. All three appointments took effect on October 23, 2026, and will run for three years.
The notice formally appointed the three individuals as members of the National Board for Social Protection. Their responsibilities will fall within the framework established by the Social Protection Act, 2025.
The board plays a role in advising the Cabinet Secretary on social protection matters. It also helps coordinate social assistance programmes targeting people who need government support.
What the Board Does
The National Board for Social Protection has responsibilities covering the coordination and oversight of welfare programmes. Its mandate includes supporting vulnerable populations and maintaining a registry of social assistance beneficiaries.
The board also monitors programmes and supports research related to social protection services. These functions are intended to improve coordination and help ensure assistance reaches eligible people.
Atwoli’s appointment comes as he brings decades of experience in organised labour. His position at the helm of COTU could offer the board a perspective on workers’ welfare and the challenges facing low-income households.
However, the appointment alone does not guarantee improvements in the delivery of social assistance. Its impact will depend on the board’s decisions, oversight and ability to coordinate programmes effectively.
Atwoli’s Long Career in Organised Labour
Atwoli has served as COTU secretary-general since 2001 and secured a sixth term in March 2026. His long tenure has made him a prominent figure in Kenya’s labour movement and national public affairs.
His leadership has also attracted criticism from political opponents over the relationship between organised labour and government. COTU has defended its role in representing workers and advancing their interests.
The appointment places Atwoli in a role extending beyond his traditional labour movement responsibilities. He will now participate in a board whose mandate centres on social assistance and the welfare of vulnerable Kenyans.
Accountability Will Be Key
Social protection programmes require effective coordination, transparency and proper monitoring to serve intended beneficiaries. The board’s responsibilities therefore include ensuring that support programmes operate within their mandate and reach eligible households.
Atwoli’s contribution will be assessed through his participation in the board’s work and its delivery of social protection objectives. The three-year term provides an opportunity for his labour experience to contribute to broader welfare policy.
The appointment also places renewed attention on how government institutions coordinate assistance for vulnerable communities. Ultimately, the board’s effectiveness will depend on its ability to turn its statutory responsibilities into practical support for those who need it.
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