10/07/2026
Shaping Digital Work with Dignity in Kenya
Date: 8th July,2025
Venue: Communication Workers Union Of Kenya offices,Nairobi
On 8 July 2026, COWU-K hosted UNI Africa Regional Secretary Keith Jacobs and Nitha Karanja for a fact-finding and organizing review mission under the Shaping Digital Work with Dignity in Kenya project.
The visit reviewed progress in organizing workers in Kenya's rapidly growing BPO sector, highlighting achievements, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen workers' rights.
"There is no global blueprint for organizing workers in the BPO industry. Kenya is among the pioneers developing innovative approaches, and we must continue organizing as the sector grows to protect workers' rights," said comrade Keith Jacobs.
He further noted that "fear remains one of the greatest barriers to organizing," urging workers to confidently exercise their constitutional right to join trade unions.
Nitha Karanja commended COWU-K's efforts, noting that "the organizing team is pioneering unionization in the BPO sector, laying the foundation for dignified work for young people and improved labour standards in Kenya's digital economy."
Deputy General Secretary Brother Johnson Lindon Okoto highlighted the significance of Kenya's newly launched BPO Policy, stating that it provides a framework for stronger labour standards, fair wage determination through a Wage Council, greater access for trade unions, and balanced growth that benefits both workers and investors.
The mission reaffirmed the strong partnership between COWU-K, UNI Africa, UNI Global Union, and DGB Bildungswerk. COWU-K remains committed to expanding organizing efforts, strengthening workplace structures, and ensuring that Kenya's growing digital economy delivers decent work, fair labour standards, and inclusive opportunities for all workers. Benson Okwaro Central Organization of Trade Unions - COTU - Kenya
