Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has been appointed to the National Board for Social Protection for a three-year term, placing the veteran trade unionist on a government body responsible for coordinating welfare programmes targeting vulnerable Kenyans.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced the appointment in a Gazette notice dated October 23, 2026.
Atwoli will serve alongside Kenneth Odire and Richard Mativu Musau, with their appointments taking effect on the same date.
The appointments were made under Section 10 of the Social Protection Act, 2025, which provides the legal framework for the board's membership.
Atwoli's role in social protection
The National Board for Social Protection oversees and coordinates non-contributory social assistance programmes designed to support Kenyans facing poverty, vulnerability and other socioeconomic challenges.
Its responsibilities include coordinating social assistance and social care interventions, maintaining a social protection registry, promoting public awareness of available welfare services and strengthening collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders.
The board's work covers vulnerable groups, including older persons, orphans and vulnerable children, persons with disabilities and households experiencing extreme poverty or economic shocks.
Atwoli's appointment comes as social protection remains an important component of government efforts to improve access to welfare services and coordinate assistance for disadvantaged households.
President William Ruto previously appointed Cecilia Mbaka as the board's non-executive chairperson for a three-year term beginning August 28, 2026.
The October 23 Gazette notices also announced appointments and reappointments to other public institutions.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reappointed Francis Nkoitoi and Dr Albert Long'ora to the Board of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute for further three-year terms.
In a statement issued on October 24, the institute expressed appreciation for the reappointments, saying they reflected confidence in the two members' leadership, expertise and commitment to wildlife research, training and conservation.
The institute's board, senior management and staff thanked Miano for renewing the appointments and expressed confidence that the two members would continue contributing to its mandate.
Meanwhile, East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul reappointed Judith Nkomoni Kirorei, Pacha Amos Ntaika and Agnes Sempeyo Nairowua to the Ewaso Ng'iro South River Basin Development Authority for one-year terms.
President Ruto also reappointed Prof Collins Odote Oloo as the non-executive chairperson of the Council of Legal Education for a further three-year term.
The appointments reflect changes in the leadership and membership of public institutions responsible for social welfare, wildlife conservation, regional development and legal education.
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