Eric Kipkoech takes over as Railway Workers Union Secretary General

Eric Kipkoech has taken over the mantle of leadership as the Railway Workers Union Secretary General, replacing John Chumo.

Kipkoech was elected as SG during elections held on January 16, 2026.

The elections followed the 2026 Trade Union Elections Circular issued by the Registrar of Trade Unions and a duly convened union congress.

During the forum, members of the Railway Workers Union (K) elected a new national leadership team in Nairobi, ushering in what the union describes as a generational shift aimed at revitalising the organisation and strengthening representation of workers across the railway industry.

The process resulted in the election of what the union termed a “youthful and energetic leadership” to serve for the next five years.

According to the members, Chumo has faithfully served the union for over three decades.

In his acceptance remarks, Kipkoech said the outcome of the elections marked a defining moment for both railway workers and the future of their union.

“The results marked a turning point for railway workers and for the future of their Union,” he said.

He added that the new leadership would move quickly to engage key labour stakeholders as part of its rebuilding agenda.

“In the next few days we shall formally write to the COTU (K) Secretary General, Bro. Francis Atwoli, seeking his support in rebuilding this union even as we pledge to continue supporting him to lead Kenyan workers for the next five years in the forthcoming COTU (K)’s elections,” Kipkoech noted.

Emmanuel Otieno was elected National Chairman, taking over from Francis O’lore, who has diligently served the union for over five decades.

Other officials elected during the congress include Judith Nafula, who was elected Deputy General Secretary, and Bernard Karimi, who was elected National Treasurer.

The union said the new team is expected to steer RAWU (K) through a period of renewal as the railway sector continues to evolve.

According to the press release, the incoming leadership has committed itself to “revitalising the Union through aggressive recruitment of workers across all sectors of the railway industry”.

These sectors include core railway operations, outsourced services and emerging rail-related enterprises, reflecting the changing nature of railway employment in Kenya.

The Railway Workers Union (K) is an affiliate of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) and has a long history within Kenya’s labour movement.

Established in 1953, the union represents workers across all segments of the railway industry and has played a role in championing workers’ rights, fair labour practices and improved working conditions over the decades.

The union says it continues to advance the welfare of its members as the rail sector transitions from traditional operations to a “modern and evolving rail sector”.

With a new leadership team now in place, RAWU (K) is positioning itself to respond to these changes while strengthening its voice on behalf of railway workers nationwide.