COTU Urges Government to Scrap Business Laws Bill, Highlighting Risks to Workers’ Rights
Quote from Lawyer on September 10, 2025, 8:51 amThe Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has issued a strong demand for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, warning that it poses a significant threat to the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers. In a statement released on Tuesday, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli expressed deep concerns over the bill’s potential to undermine labor protections and erode gains made in securing fair working conditions.
COTU’s primary objection centers on specific provisions within the bill that the organization argues could weaken existing labor laws. Atwoli highlighted that the proposed amendments risk reducing safeguards for employees, particularly in areas such as job security, fair wages, and workplace safety. He emphasized that the bill, in its current form, prioritizes business interests over the well-being of workers, which could lead to exploitation and diminished labor standards across various sectors.
The trade union body further criticized the lack of adequate consultation with stakeholders, including workers’ representatives, during the drafting of the bill. Atwoli pointed out that such legislation, with far-reaching implications for Kenya’s workforce, requires transparent dialogue and input from all affected parties to ensure fairness and balance. He accused the government of pushing the bill through without sufficiently engaging trade unions, which represent millions of Kenyan workers.
In addition to concerns about labor rights, COTU warned that the bill could have broader economic consequences. Atwoli noted that weakening workers’ protections might discourage productivity and destabilize the labor market, ultimately affecting the country’s economic growth. He urged policymakers to consider the long-term impact of the legislation on both workers and the national economy.
COTU has called on the government to halt the bill’s progression through Parliament and engage in meaningful consultations with trade unions and other stakeholders. Atwoli stressed that any amendments to business-related laws must prioritize the protection of workers’ rights and align with Kenya’s constitutional guarantees of fair labor practices.
The organization also appealed to lawmakers to reject the bill in its current form and work toward legislation that balances the interests of businesses and workers. Atwoli reaffirmed COTU’s commitment to advocating for the rights of Kenyan workers and vowed to mobilize its members to oppose the bill if the government fails to address their concerns.
As the debate over the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill continues, COTU’s stance has sparked discussions among labor groups, policymakers, and the public, highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable legislative processes. The outcome of this controversy could shape the future of labor rights in Kenya, with significant implications for the country’s workforce.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has issued a strong demand for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, warning that it poses a significant threat to the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers. In a statement released on Tuesday, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli expressed deep concerns over the bill’s potential to undermine labor protections and erode gains made in securing fair working conditions.
COTU’s primary objection centers on specific provisions within the bill that the organization argues could weaken existing labor laws. Atwoli highlighted that the proposed amendments risk reducing safeguards for employees, particularly in areas such as job security, fair wages, and workplace safety. He emphasized that the bill, in its current form, prioritizes business interests over the well-being of workers, which could lead to exploitation and diminished labor standards across various sectors.
The trade union body further criticized the lack of adequate consultation with stakeholders, including workers’ representatives, during the drafting of the bill. Atwoli pointed out that such legislation, with far-reaching implications for Kenya’s workforce, requires transparent dialogue and input from all affected parties to ensure fairness and balance. He accused the government of pushing the bill through without sufficiently engaging trade unions, which represent millions of Kenyan workers.
In addition to concerns about labor rights, COTU warned that the bill could have broader economic consequences. Atwoli noted that weakening workers’ protections might discourage productivity and destabilize the labor market, ultimately affecting the country’s economic growth. He urged policymakers to consider the long-term impact of the legislation on both workers and the national economy.
COTU has called on the government to halt the bill’s progression through Parliament and engage in meaningful consultations with trade unions and other stakeholders. Atwoli stressed that any amendments to business-related laws must prioritize the protection of workers’ rights and align with Kenya’s constitutional guarantees of fair labor practices.
The organization also appealed to lawmakers to reject the bill in its current form and work toward legislation that balances the interests of businesses and workers. Atwoli reaffirmed COTU’s commitment to advocating for the rights of Kenyan workers and vowed to mobilize its members to oppose the bill if the government fails to address their concerns.
As the debate over the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill continues, COTU’s stance has sparked discussions among labor groups, policymakers, and the public, highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable legislative processes. The outcome of this controversy could shape the future of labor rights in Kenya, with significant implications for the country’s workforce.