Atwoli: Kenya Does Not Need Young Leaders

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 15 – Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has dismissed mounting calls for generational change in leadership, arguing that Kenya does not need young leaders to steer the country forward.

Speaking Monday at the official opening of the Third Edition of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III) at Strathmore University, Atwoli defended the dominance of the old guard in politics and unions, insisting that experience trumps youth.

“Let no one tell you that this country needs young leaders… nowhere in the world. How old is Donald Trump? Even the Italian president is 93, he has to be assisted to the podium,” Atwoli said, to laughter from the audience.

The veteran unionist, who has led COTU for 24 years, used his own career as an example of why age should not be a barrier to leadership.

“Even me, why do you think workers in Kenya have stuck with me all these years? They don’t want to let me go,” he quipped.

Atwoli’s remarks are likely to spark mixed reactions at a time when youthful leaders and activists are pushing for greater inclusion in political and economic decision-making.

Beyond the leadership debate, the symposium centered on combating child labour under the theme “Elimination of All Forms of Child Labour and Access to Justice.”

Chief Justice Martha Koome, who presided over the event, called child labour a “grave injustice,” stressing that it robs children of dignity and the future guaranteed by the constitution.

“If we are to take seriously the promises of our constitution, we must take seriously the fight against child labour,” she said.

Justice Antony Mrima of the High Court echoed her concerns, urging broader collaboration to address the issue.

“The elimination of child labour cannot be done by the Judiciary alone. May our conversations in this symposium inspire bold and practical steps to protect children and secure their full potential,” he told participants.

Atwoli also emphasized the role of social protection, saying the best way to safeguard children is by ensuring parents earn dignified livelihoods.

The symposium brought together judges, labour leaders, and child rights advocates, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against child exploitation — even as Atwoli’s controversial comments on leadership set off a parallel debate.