Trade unions in Kenya are closely identified with the ruling party, the the Kenyan African National Union (KANU) (Trade Unions of the World 1992-93 1992, 267). In September 1988, it was announced that the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) would become a part of KANU, thus loosing all of its independence (Ibid.; Human Rights in Developing Countries 1989 1989, 204). The government was already represented in COTU's governing bodies and the President of Kenya already had the power to revoke appointments or elections within COTU (Ibid.). COTU also interacts with the government through the tripartite Industrial Relations Board, also including of employers (Human Rights in Developing Countries 1987/88 1988, 59). Strikes are virtually illegal in Kenya, although they do occur from time to time, usually without recognition from the local press (Human Rights in Developing Countries 1989 1989, 203; Human Rights in Developing Countries 1987/88 1988, 59).

Human Rights in Developing Countries 1989. Manfred Nowak and Theresa Swinehart, eds. Kehl, Strasbourg and Arlington: N.P. Engel.

Human Rights in Developing Countries 1987/88. Bard-Anders Andreassen and Asbjorn Eide, eds. Copenhagen: Akademisk Forlag.

Trade Unions of the World 1992-1993. 1992. Martin Upham, ed. London: Longman.

Human Rights in Developing Countries 1989. Manfred Nowak and Theresa Swinehart, eds. Kehl, Strasbourg and Arlington: N.P. Engel.

Human Rights in Developing Countries 1987/88. Bard-Anders Andreassen and Asbjorn Eide, eds. Copenhagen: Akademisk Forlag.

Trade Unions of the World 1992-1993. 1992. Martin Upham, ed. London: Longman.