IEBC to conduct trade union elections in new Senate Bill

A new Bill seeking to reform how trade union leaders are elected has been introduced in the Senate.

The proposed law potentially shifts the management of union elections to the country’s electoral body.

The Labour Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes that elections of officials in trade unions, employers’ organisations and federations be conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The proposed law is sponsored by Okongo Mogeni, the senator for Nyamira county, and has been published for introduction in the Senate ahead of its first reading.

Currently, the law allows trade unions and employers’ organisations to conduct their elections internally in accordance with their registered constitutions.

If passed, the amendment would require the elections to be conducted by the IEBC while still being guided by the constitutions of the respective unions, organisations or federations.

The proposal comes even as Cotu prepares to hold elections for its officials on Saturday.

In a letter seen by the Star, Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli invited Senator Mogeni to attend the convention and observe the elections.

Atwoli said the invitation would give the senator an opportunity to observe how trade union elections are conducted within the framework of labour laws and internal regulations.

“Your presence would provide an opportunity to witness how trade union elections are conducted within the framework of labour laws and internal labour regulations and to observe the democratic practices within the trade union movement,” the letter states.

According to the memorandum of objects and reasons accompanying the Bill, the proposal seeks to enhance transparency, fairness and credibility in the election of trade union officials.

Mogeni argues that leaving elections entirely to unions has, in some cases, raised concerns about fairness in internal electoral processes and the longevity of some leaders in office.

The Bill therefore proposes the involvement of the IEBC, the constitutional body mandated to supervise referenda and conduct elections for offices established by law.

Supporters of the proposal say the move could help guarantee free, fair and credible elections within labour organisations, similar to the standards applied in public elections.

Trade unions play a central role in representing workers’ interests in labour negotiations, collective bargaining agreements and labour policy advocacy.

The Bill also notes that because members of trade unions and employers’ organisations are spread across counties, the legislation concerns county governments.

If enacted, the amendment could introduce a standardised electoral process for labour organisations under IEBC supervision while retaining the internal constitutions that guide union governance.