Cotu boss Francis Atwoli now says that it is important for Kenyan workers to be represented in the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) board.
Atwoli, in a statement on Wednesday, said having a representative from Cotu on the board will ensure the concerns of workers are considered in regulatory decisions that affect energy pricing.
"COTU (K) represents the interests of workers across various sectors, including those in the energy industry. Given the significant impact of electricity prices on workers and their households, workers must be represented on the Epra Board," he said.
Atwoli went on to say that the inclusion of diverse players in the Epra board will enhance transparency in regulatory decisions.
He said it will also ensure that the interests of different segments of society are taken into account and this will in turn foster greater public trust in the regulatory process.
The Cotu boss said the inclusion must be done by amending Section 12 of the Energy Act, 2019.
Atwoli further stated that Cotu provides valuable insights into the social and economic implications of electricity pricing decisions, in addition to representing workers, who are a significant segment of consumers and can help balance the need for affordable electricity with the financial viability of energy companies.
"COTU (K) has experts in the energy sector who can contribute valuable expertise to the Epra board. Their knowledge of labour issues and the energy market can enrich discussions and lead to more informed decisions," he said.
"Fourth, COTU (K) can act as a liaison between workers and Epra, fostering better communication and understanding of each other's perspectives. The inclusion of COTU (K) representatives will promote collaboration and constructive dialogue in decision-making processes."
Atwoli was reacting to a push by Members of the National Assembly to have workers' and employers' representatives included in the Epra Board.
