The Kenya National Union of Coaches (KNUC) and the Kenya Dental Surgery Assistants and Hygienists Union (KEDSAHU) have officially tabled their application to onboard the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU). The application was confirmed by the registrar of trade unions, Ann Kanake, in a gazette notice dated May 4, 2025. Kanake noted that anyone who would like to oppose the registration of the two unions should submit his/her objection within 21 days from the date of publication. "NOTICE is given pursuant to section 14 (1) (d) (i) of the Labour Relations Act, 2007, to all trade Unions, employers' organisations, and federations of receipt of an application for registration of KNUC and KEDSAHU," it stated.
COTU boss Francis Atwoli speaking during a meeting on August 31, 2023.
Photo COTU "Notice is given to the general public for any party with any objection on the proposed registration to submit to the registrar in writing any such objection(s) against the registration of the proposed union within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this publication," it added.
A trade union is an organised association of workers that helps in advocating for better working conditions, negotiating fair wages, and protecting employee rights. The unions are also fundamental in providing support and representation for the workers in various areas, including grievance handling, training, and legal assistance. Currently in Kenya, 45 trade union member organisations are part of COTU, which is the national trade union center, steered by Francis Atwoli.
