The International Labour Organisation has appointed a Kenyan Caroline Khamati Mugalla as the country director for its Dar es Salaam-based office.
Mugalla was appointed the director of the ILO country office for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda on Saturday by ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo with effect from January 1, 2024.
Mugalla who is a former employee of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) is the first Kenyan to hold the prestigious position.
Celebrating her appointment, Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli said he is confident that Mugalla’s leadership will further strengthen the ILO's mission to advance social justice and workers' rights in the East African region.
Atwoli said her appointment was highly welcome based on her rich background in trade unionism and the promotion of social justice, having dedicated over 18 years of her career to the cause of labour organizing and union executive roles.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to Mugalla on her historic appointment and look forward to working together to build a more equitable and just labour landscape in Kenya,” Atwoli said.
“Her proven track record in championing worker's rights, coupled with her expertise in social dialogue, advocacy, consensus-building, and coalition-building, make her a standout choice for this important position.”
Mugalla worked at Cotu from 2005 to 2009 in various capacities including, Gender Officer, Training Officer, Projects Coordinator for Good Governance and Social Dialogue and the Productivity Desk Officer.
She has also served East African Workers in her capacity as the Executive Director for the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) since 2013.
“The ILO Country Office based in Dar es Salaam is an invaluable partner for Cotu (K) and Kenyan workers bearing in mind it provides technical support, policy advocacy, and a platform for constructive dialogue that helps protect and advance the rights and well-being of workers in Kenya.
According to Atwoli, the office plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Kenyan workers are afforded the protections and opportunities they deserve.
The office also supports activities of tripartite partners (workers, employers, and governments) in the region and ensures that social justice and decent work are promoted in the region.
