The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has officially directed all trade unions, employer organisations, and federations nationwide to conduct their elections next year, in line with the Labour Relations Act of 2007.
In a detailed circular dated September 25, 2025, the Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions outlined the statutory requirements, timelines, and compliance obligations to ensure transparent and credible polls.
The circular, signed by Acting Registrar of Trade Unions Ann K. Kanake, emphasised that the elections will mark the next five-year cycle following the last polls held in 2021. According to the Act, the term of office for officials of trade unions and federations is five years, and new elections must be conducted through a secret ballot before June 30, 2026.
“We wish to notify all stakeholders that elections must be conducted strictly within the timelines of January to June 2026, and failure to adhere will attract sanctions as provided in the Act,” Ms Kanake said in the notice.
The Registrar has set branch elections to take place between January 5, 2026, and March 31, 2026.
The national elections must be held between April 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026.
Additionally, polls by umbrella bodies such as the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) must be completed by August 30, 2026.
Union officials have been reminded that compliance with their registered constitutions is mandatory.
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Membership registers must be fully updated before the elections, and certified copies must be submitted to the Commissioner for Labour and respective County Labour Officers at least 60 days before polls are held.
The Registrar also warned that no amended constitutions whose implementation has been barred by court orders will be accepted during the elections. This is to prevent legal conflicts that often arise during internal union elections.
Among other requirements, unions must submit their election schedules to the Registrar, Labour Commissioner, and County Labour Officers at least 60 days prior to the election. The venues of elections must also be communicated at least 30 days before voting day.
Following the polls, unions will be required to notify the Registrar within 14 days using the prescribed Form Q, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Labour Relations Act.
The Ministry underscored its commitment to free and fair elections, cautioning that non-compliance will attract sanctions. It also reminded unions that new applications for branch registrations or changes of officials will not be processed until after the elections.
“Our office remains committed to ensuring that the 2026 elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible. We are determined to strengthen democratic governance within the labour movement,” Ms Kanake noted.
Unionists, however, urged the Ministry to provide adequate oversight to prevent malpractices.
The circular urged unions to start preparations immediately, including updating registers, informing members, and arranging venues.
With Kenya’s labour movement playing a pivotal role in national development, smooth and credible union elections are seen as a foundation for stability in industrial relations.
By Joseph Mambili
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