COTU Warns ‘Exported Activism’ Putting Kenyan Migrant Workers in Danger

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has urged Kenyan citizens working abroad to register with Kenyan embassies and consulates in their host countries to ensure their safety and accountability

In a statement released on Thursday, November 13, COTU emphasized that as Kenya expands its labour export market, proper documentation is essential for the government to offer protection, assistance, and swift intervention in case of emergencies or disputes

“It is a matter of importance that our workers abroad are properly documented and recognized through official government channels,” the union stated

COTU raised concern over a growing trend of receiving distress calls from Kenyan workers overseas, claiming that some of these problems stem from individuals with “activist inclinations” who travel abroad without following legal and diplomatic procedures

“These individuals sneak out of the country to export their activism beyond our borders,” the statement read, warning that such behaviour could expose them and other Kenyan workers to legal and diplomatic risks

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli noted that he had previously cautioned against this issue in May 2025, citing cases in Tanzania where Kenyan workers faced discrimination and revoked work permits due to such conduct

The union criticized those who bypass official channels but later blame the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for failing to protect them. It also rebuked former Foreign Affairs Minister Kalonzo Musyoka for allegedly disregarding diplomatic procedures while faulting the ministry

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COTU stressed that those who ignore established laws of sovereign states “should not incite or seek sympathy from innocent Kenyans,” adding that it is “very unfair” to hold the government responsible for individuals who left the country without its knowledge

Drawing a comparison, the union stated that Kenya would not tolerate foreigners who enter the country to “cause havoc,” referencing a recent case involving a Chinese national at an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) accused of insulting the COTU Chairman General. The organization called for the immediate deportation of the individual

Writer : Mweru Mbugua