From shop to boardroom: Rise of COTU official Albert Njeru who died after short illness

Albert Njeru Obed began his career in Kenya's trade union movement as a shop steward, representing workers on the shop floor. He later transitioned into the accounting profession, working at Ramisi Sugar Company before joining the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) as an accountant.

His dedication to workers' rights and dignity led him to rise through the ranks, serving as the Embu Branch Secretary and eventually becoming the General Secretary of KUDHEIHA, a position he held for nearly two decades. Njeru's leadership was characterized by a focus on participation, mentorship, and empowerment of workers. He described himself as a team leader, not a boss, and was passionate about workers' rights, viewing trade unionism as a calling rather than a job.

His philosophy emphasized the importance of continuous learning and skill improvement to remain competitive. Njeru's journey in the labour movement was marked by his resilience and ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. His death on August 29, 2026, marked the end of a career spanning decades, during which he represented workers across various sectors, including domestic work, hotels, education, hospitals, and allied industries.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli described Njeru as a dedicated trade unionist and a champion of workers' rights, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to workers' welfare and dignity throughout his service.