The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has defended President William Ruto, sharply criticizing political leaders opposing the proposed National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund. He warned that resistance to the initiatives risks derailing Kenya’s long-term economic transformation.
In a strongly worded statement, COTU (K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli launched an attack on those he claimed are blocking reforms aimed at ensuring the economy is strong, inclusive, and ready for the future through the two new funds. He said opposition to the two funds reflects fear of change, limited exposure, and a lack of long-term vision.
“Those opposed to the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund are actively standing in the way of Kenya’s future,” Atwoli said. “They profess fear of change, lack of exposure and a complete absence of vision.”
Workers Reject Short-Term Politics
Atwoli said Kenyan workers will not allow themselves to be “held hostage by short-term thinking and reactionary politics” that undermine workers’ welfare and the country’s broader economic development.
He stressed that the trade union movement is strongly behind any reform that provides for sustainable development and employment and enhanced living standards.
“As Kenyan workers, we refuse to be held hostage by short-term thinking and reactionary politics meant to undermine the welfare of the Kenyan workers and the economic development of our beloved country,” he added.
COTU Backs Ruto’s Economic Agenda
The veteran trade unionist threw his weight behind President Ruto, praising him for what he described as bold and decisive leadership in advancing transformative economic reforms.
According to Atwoli, the President has demonstrated clarity of thought and ambition unmatched by any Kenyan leader since independence.
“Kenyan workers stand firmly behind President Ruto for demonstrating boldness, clarity of thought, and vision in charting a new development path for our country,” he said.
“Indeed, since independence, no Kenyan leader has pursued transformation with this level of decisiveness and ambition.”
Atwoli argued that had similar bold decisions been made in earlier decades, Kenya would today be far more advanced socially and economically.
Lessons From Singapore, Malaysia and Local Cities
He appealed to those criticizing the proposed funds to look at other countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, which have used master plans and sovereign wealth funds for a long time and are today industrially established and have a higher standard of living.
Closer home, Atwoli invited skeptics to visit Kisumu, Eldoret, and Kakamega to witness the impact of affordable housing and modern infrastructure projects already taking shape.
He said these initiatives are improving workers’ quality of life, restoring dignity, and transforming urban landscapes.
Call for Accountability and Professional Support
While strongly backing the funds, Atwoli called on President Ruto to exercise strict control in the governance and management of the proposed financial platforms.
He stressed that accountability will play a vital role in ensuring that each and every amount collected has served the intended purpose for Kenyans.
Relying on historical experiences, Atwoli said that people who started out as unreasonable leaders are those who later become the driving forces behind progress. He cited figures such as Winston Churchill and Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, both of whom faced ridicule while pushing transformative agendas.
He concluded by calling upon all professionals in every field, such as economists, engineers, planners, accountants, and lawyers, to overcome their cynicism and come behind the national development cause since the future of Kenya lies in their bold vision and initiative.
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