Thomas Mboya/COURTESYThe Registrar of Trade Unions has formally registered Thomas Mboya as the acting General Secretary of the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).
An extract from the Register of Trade Unions dated September 9, 2026, confirms Mboya’s appointment, providing continuity in the leadership and administration of the union.
Mboya, who previously served as KUDHEIHA’s Senior Deputy General Secretary, takes over following the death of former General Secretary Albert Njeru Obed.
KUDHEIHA announced Njeru’s death on August 30, saying he had died after a short illness.
“The passing of Bro Albert Njeru Obed is a great loss to KUDHEIHA workers, the labour movement and to the many workers whose lives he touched through his dedicated service and leadership,” the union said.
It described Njeru as a committed trade unionist and devoted servant of workers who firmly believed in justice, dignity, decent work and the protection of workers’ rights.
“His dedication to the Union and the labour movement was unwavering, and his contribution to KUDHEIHA will remain part of our history and legacy,” the union said.
Mboya is a longstanding trade unionist with more than three decades of service to KUDHEIHA.
He joined the union in 1993 and was first elected to a leadership position in 2006 as the Kakamega Branch Secretary.
During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding the union’s membership, organisation and influence.
He later rose through the union’s leadership structures and served as the National Treasurer in 2021 before becoming Senior Deputy General Secretary.
Following his registration as acting General Secretary, Mboya pledged to provide stable, inclusive and forward-looking leadership while safeguarding the unity of the union.
He also committed to ensuring that KUDHEIHA remained focused on protecting and advancing the rights and welfare of its members.
His appointment comes at a time when trade unions continue to face challenges related to workers’ welfare, job security, decent working conditions and the enforcement of labour laws.
KUDHEIHA represents workers in the domestic, hotel, educational institutions, hospitals and allied sectors, many of whom operate in demanding environments and require strong representation on matters of wages, employment rights and social protection.
The union’s leadership transition is expected to maintain ongoing programmes and engagements with employers, government agencies and other stakeholders.
Mboya’s experience within the union is also expected to help provide institutional stability as the organisation continues to pursue its mandate.
The Registrar’s confirmation gives formal recognition to his acting role and allows him to oversee the union’s affairs pending further leadership arrangements.
Mboya has called for unity among members and pledged to uphold the values of service, accountability and professionalism associated with the union.
He is expected to lead KUDHEIHA in advancing the interests of its members while building on the legacy left by Njeru.
