Francis Atwoli was born on 6 June 1949 in Kakamega County, Western Kenya, to Livingstone Alubala Atwoli and Mary Machengo. He is the eldest son in a humble family that values hard work, honesty, and service to others.
His father worked as a driver in Nairobi, which allowed the young Atwoli to spend part of his childhood in both the bustling capital city and the quiet rural environment of Kakamega.
This unique upbringing exposed him to the contrasting realities of Kenyan life — the struggles of working families in urban areas and the resilience of rural communities.
These early experiences would later shape his deep empathy for workers and fuel his lifelong dedication to labour rights and social justice.
Education Journey
Francis Atwoli began his formal education in 1955 at Shiongo Primary School in Kakamega. His academic journey continued at Shirotsa Intermediate School, where he sat for the Kenya African Preliminary Examinations (KAPE).
Teachers and peers from his early school days remember him as a disciplined, outspoken, and socially active student. He naturally took up leadership roles and showed early signs of being a voice for others — qualities that would define his future career.
After completing his intermediate education, Atwoli proceeded to St. Mary’s School, Muthangari in Nairobi for his secondary education.
Two years later, he transferred to St. Mary’s Secondary School in Machakos, where he successfully completed his O-level studies. It was during this period that his passion for labour activism began to take root.
While still a student, Atwoli attended a public lecture by the late Tom Mboya, a renowned trade unionist and politician. Mboya’s inspiring message on workers’ unity, fair wages, and human dignity left a lasting impression on the young Atwoli.
From that day forward, he became deeply committed to the ideals of the labour movement, vowing to dedicate his life to defending the rights of Kenyan workers.
Early Career and Path to Labour Activism
After completing his secondary education in the early 1970s, Atwoli entered the workforce — a decision that would mark the beginning of his close connection with the working class.
His early jobs were mostly low-paying and physically demanding, but they offered him a firsthand understanding of the inequalities, unsafe working conditions, and economic struggles facing ordinary Kenyans.
Rather than discouraging him, these experiences ignited a fire within him to fight for better pay, safe workplaces, and fair treatment. His natural leadership and outspoken nature soon earned him recognition among his peers, paving the way for his entry into the trade union movement.
Further Education and Training
To strengthen his skills and knowledge in labour relations, Atwoli pursued professional training in industrial and labour affairs. He joined the College of International Labour Studies in Turin, Italy, where he received advanced education in trade union leadership and industrial relations.
The program covered key topics such as negotiation, conflict resolution, and organizational management, providing him with the expertise to lead labour organizations effectively.
In addition, Atwoli pursued further academic qualifications in business and management. He enrolled at Cavendish University in Uganda, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management.
This academic background complemented his on-the-ground experience, equipping him to bridge the gap between labour activism and modern corporate management.
Rise to COTU Leadership
Through years of dedication, resilience, and consistent advocacy, Francis Atwoli climbed the ranks of Kenya’s trade union movement. His combination of practical experience, formal education, and global exposure made him a respected and formidable leader.
He eventually rose to become the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) — a position he has held for several decades, making him the longest-serving Secretary General in COTU’s history. Under his leadership, COTU has played a central role in shaping Kenya’s labour laws, defending workers’ rights, and influencing national economic policies.
Legacy and Influence
Francis Atwoli’s journey from a modest upbringing in Kakamega to becoming one of Kenya’s most influential labour leaders is a story of determination, education, and unwavering commitment to justice.
His voice continues to represent millions of Kenyan workers, and his leadership remains a pillar of Kenya’s trade union movement.
From his early school days as a young leader to his current stature as a seasoned labour icon, Francis Atwoli’s life stands as a powerful reminder of how education, passion, and purpose can transform lives — and shape a nation’s workforce for generations to come.
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