Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has warned the new National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi against implementing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions blindly.
The COTU boss said the IMF's conditionalities can have a bad impact on the country's economy.
Atwoli insisted that following the IMF's advice without scrutiny has previously led to adverse effects on citizens.
"It is the position of COTU (K) that if the new National Treasury Cabinet Secretary adopts a rigid approach and implements 100% of the IMF’s economic and finance adjustments advice, then such an approach will not succeed," he said.
"We call upon the new National Treasury Cabinet Secretary to approach IMF conditionalities cautiously and with a deep understanding of their potential impact on ordinary Kenyans. In fact, the far we stay away from the IMF and its accomplices, the better for this country."
His remarks come after CS Mbadi on Wednesday met with the IMF Representative in Kenya, Selim Cakir.
Atwoli also warned against falling prey to tactics that would worsen the tax burden on Kenyans and create social upheavals.
"The advice given by the IMF, if followed without adjustment to local contexts and needs, ultimately results in unrest, turmoil and thus social upheavals."
The COTU secretary general said the union remains committed to advocating for policies that promote economic stability while ensuring the protection of workers' rights and the welfare of all Kenyans.
The IMF has largely been blamed for the high cost of living in the country.
President William Ruto chose to work with the IMF to help stabilise the country economically after he was elected in 2022.
