Ruto Rewards Francis Atwoli With Govt Job

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli was on Friday, May 5 appointed as a member of the National Labour Board.

This was announced by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary (CS) Florence Bore, who revealed that Atwoli will serve on the board for a period of three years.

Atwoli will serve under David K.A. Siele as the Chairperson alongside other members, including, Jacqueline Mugo, Michael Macharia, George Masese, Ernest Nadome, Rose Omamo, Daisy Wanja Njiru, and Areba Omwoyo Samba.

President William Ruto and COTU boss Francis Atwoli during the Labour Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on May 1, 2023. /PCS

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6 (I) of the Labour Institutions Act, 2007, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection appoints David K. A. Siele — Chairperson, Francis Atwoli (Dr.), Jacqueline Mugo (Mrs.), Michael Macharia, George Masese, Ernest Nadome, Rose Omamo, Daisy Wanja Njim, Areba Omwoyo Samba, as Chairperson and members of the National Labour Board, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 28th April 2023," the notice read in part.

The appointment of Fronikah Shirika to the board was revoked by Bore.

The new role sees Atwoli tasked with advising the CS on all matters concerning employment and labour, legislation affecting employment and labour, and any matter relating to labour relations.

In liaison with the CS, the board shall advise the government on the issues of immigration entry permits, and work permits to non-citizens and the Chief Justice on the assignment of judges to the Industrial Court and the rules of the Industrial Court.

The board may conduct any investigation as it may consider necessary and research into labour, economic and social policy.

"The Board may, with the approval of the Minister, co-opt into the membership of the committees established under this section other persons whose knowledge and expertise are necessary for the functions of the committees or the Board," read part of the Labour Institution Act.

"It may co-opt any person to participate in its deliberations, but a person so co-opted shall have no right to vote at any meeting of the Board," the Act read on.

According to the Labour Institutions Act, the Secretary of the Board shall brief the members once every three months on reported strikes and lockouts, labour market and information and employment trends, and the number of complaints lodged by employees against employers.

The remuneration, fees, and allowances paid to the chairperson and members will be determined by the Cabinet Secretary of Finance.