Communication Workers Union

Communication Workers Union of Kenya (COWU-K) was founded in 1949 as the Union of Post and Telecommunication Employees (UPTE) but officially registered in 1957. The telecommunications sector experienced rapid changes, especially from the mid-1990s. This led to dissolution of the Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KP&TC) in 1997, and establishment of a number of companies.

The companies established included Telkom (Kenya), Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) and Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). Others were the Gilgil Telecommunication Industries (GTI), Kenya College of Communications Technology (KCCT, which was later transformed to the Multimedia University), and Safaricom. The changes in the operating environment necessitated alignment of the name of the Union to Communication Workers Union of Kenya (COWU-K) in 2002.

The Union has the overall mandate of organizing and recruiting, for purposes of negotiations and collective bargaining, employees engaged in communications sector in Kenya.

The communications sector has become an increasingly vital engine for economic growth across Kenya and the broader African continent. It plays a critical role in facilitating the dissemination of information, fostering digital economies, and supporting a wide array of industries.

The digital economy in Kenya has also experienced significant acceleration, particularly following the onset of the corona-virus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic spurred increased demand for digital platforms and services across various sectors. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are widely recognized for their potential to alleviate poverty and create employment opportunities in developing countries like Kenya. The rapid growth and technological advancements within the communications sector present a complex landscape for COWU-K, offering opportunities for enhanced communication and organizing through technology, while also posing challenges related to evolving work structures and worker rights.

Similarly, the Courier sector stands as a cornerstone of economic activity in Kenya and Africa, playing an indispensable role in facilitating trade, supporting intricate supply chains, and enabling overall economic functionality. Kenya’s strategic geographical location and expanding courier network have positioned it as a key player in the global trade and a significant logistics hub within East Africa. However, the courier sector across the continent faces persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and security concerns that can impede the smooth flow of goods. Technology is increasingly transforming courier operations in Africa, with the rise of innovative e-commerce companies that aim to streamline processes and reduce costs.

“A dynamic, inclusive and competitive trade union in the communications and logistics sectors in Kenya”

Communication Workers Union of Kenya (COWU-K) exists to organize, recruit and represent workers in the communications and logistics sectors in Kenya; advance fundamental principles and rights at work; guarantee social protection; and ensure social inclusion.

• Member-Centricity: COWU-K’s primary focus will be on the needs and interests of its members. All decisions and actions will prioritize the well-being, job security, and fair treatment of the workers it represents. This includes actively listening to members’ concerns, advocating for their rights, and providing effective representation in all matters related to their employment.
• Empowerment and Advocacy: COWU-K will empower its members by providing them with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to understand their rights and collectively bargain for better terms and conditions of employment. It will be a strong and proactive advocate for workers’ rights at all levels, engaging with employers, government agencies, and regulatory bodies to ensure fair labour practices and decent work for all.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change and the evolving nature of work, COWU-K will embrace adaptability and innovation in its strategies and operations. This includes proactively addressing the impact of new technologies on jobs and skills, exploring new models for organizing workers in the Communication and emerging sectors, and continuously seeking ways to enhance its effectiveness in representing its members.
•  Inclusivity and Equality: COWU-K is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all workers, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, special needs or employment status. It will actively work to address gender disparities in the workplace, promote equal opportunities for all members, and ensure that its representation reflects the diversity of the workforce.
•  Integrity and Transparency: COWU-K will operate with the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all its dealings. This includes maintaining open and honest communication with its members, ensuring responsible management of its resources, and adhering to ethical principles in all its actions.
•  Collaboration and Solidarity: COWU-K recognizes the importance of collaboration and solidarity in achieving its goals. It will actively seek to build strong relationships with other trade unions, both nationally and internationally, as well as with relevant stakeholders in the communications sectors, and other labour support institutions. It will foster a culture of unity and mutual support among its members to strengthen their collective power.

Our mandate broadly is to organize, represent, advance the fundamental principles and rights at work of employees in the communication industries, telecommunications organisations, telecommunication companies, mobile phone service providers, broadcasting/media houses, mobile phone accessories sellers, cyber cafes and bureaus, bpo workers, call centers agents, content moderators, data labellers, tech workers, social media, postal, courier and allied industries sectors in Kenya.

• To improve conditions of services of the members and to make every endeavor to obtain just and proper rates of pay, working hours, and other conditions of employment including occupational safety and health in workplaces (CBAs).

• Secure complete organization into the Union of all employees in relevant sectors, trades, industries and public institutions

• Regulate the relations and settle disputes between members, and between members and employers, and between members and the union by amicable agreements whenever possible

• Act as a medium through which the employees address their grievances, views, interests and ideals to their employers
• Seek and obtain legal advice and representation for protecting the rights of the members on matters arising out of the relations with the employers and in the best interests of the Union
• Co-operate with similar organizations on matters of common interest with a view to taking common action whenever necessary or desirable

• Facilitate education and training of union members, officials and officers
• Encourage members of the union to form and/or join Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), and other savings and investment channels.

• Acquire either by purchase, lease or otherwise, any movable or immovable property or other assets, and to sell, let, mortgage or charge or otherwise deal with or dispose of, movable or immovable property belonging to the Union
• Affiliate to organizations with similar aims and objectives nationally, regionally and internationally
• Collect and circulate among members of the Union such statistical and other information concerning all matters affecting the union and print, publish and issue such papers, periodical books, circulars and other literature as may seem conducive to any of these objectives

• Lobby for changes in policy and law in order to improve the working environment for union members and workers in general
• Lobby for ratification and domestication of relevant international treaties and conventions