KUSPAW Re-elects Wangara as General Secretary, Plans Strike Over KSh 1.8 Billion Wage Arrears

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 27 January 2026 - The Kenya Union of Specialised Printing, Allied Workers (KUSPAW) has elected a new national leadership team to steer the union for the next five years, with Francis Wangara retaining his position as General Secretary.

The polls, held at the Tom Mboya Labour College, returned Wangara for a second five-year term, reaffirming his mandate at a time of mounting labour unrest in the printing and allied sectors.

Addressing the press shortly after his re-election, Wangara announced that the union will immediately embark on fresh Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, placing unpaid wages and long-standing arrears at the top of its agenda.

He disclosed that workers across the sector are owed cumulative salary arrears amounting to Sh10.8 billion, some stretching back several years.

“To address the plight of our members who have gone for years without pay, KUSPAW will commence a strike beginning Thursday this week,” Wangara said, noting that the industrial action is intended to compel employers to honour their obligations and return to the negotiating table in good faith.

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He emphasised that the new CBA talks will focus on clearing the arrears, safeguarding jobs, and improving working conditions for union members who, he said, have borne the brunt of economic downturns without adequate protection.

The elections also ushered in a full slate of national officials. Mirryiam Wanyama was elected National Chairperson, while Jacob Otieno Tuli was picked as National Vice Chairperson.

Vant was elected First Assistant Secretary General, with Jared Odhiambo Oluch taking the position of First Deputy Secretary General. Michael Ochieng was elected National Treasurer, while the post of Second Deputy Chairperson was also filled during the exercise.

The new leadership now faces the immediate test of navigating labour negotiations amid rising worker agitation and looming industrial action, a challenge that is expected to define KUSPAW’s direction over the next five years.