Cotu (k) pre-COP31 Workers Consultation Workshop

On 30th October 2026, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, Kenya convened a Pre-COP 31 Workers’ Consultation Workshop at its headquarters, Solidarity Building, bringing together representatives from its affiliate unions across various sectors. In preparation for the upcoming COP 31, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, the workshop provided an important platform for engaging Kenyan workers in identifying and articulating their views, concerns and priorities on climate change and Just Transition. The consultation sought to ensure that workers’ perspectives, experiences and sector-specific interests are adequately captured and reflected in the national labour agenda and trade union positions ahead of the COP 31 negotiations.

The workshop was aimed at:Enhancing affiliate unions’ understanding of the COP process and key climate policy issues affecting workers. Discussing priorities for a Just Transition for Kenyan workers Identifying sector-specific climate change impacts and employment related challenges facing workers in Kenya.Strengthening trade union knowledge on decent green jobs, adaptation and mitigation, climate finance among others.

The priority issues for workers as identified by the participants include:Creation of decent and sustainable green jobsProtection of the existing jobs and livelihoodsAccess to social protection for the affected workersSkills development to onboard workers to the emerging green jobsOSH issues in relation to increased exposure to extreme heat and hazardous working conditionsAdequate and accessible climate finance to support worker-centered transition programmes