Abstract:

Trade unions play a crucial role in the employment relationship in many organizations globally. The objective of this paper is to give a chronological analysis of the development of trade unionism in Kenya from the colonial period to the present. The rationale is that to fully understand the role and function of trade unions in Kenya today, it is necessary to appreciate their historical development. The paper highlights key landmarks in the trade union development process and discusses how each affected or contributed to the development of trade unionism in the country. It further analyzes the industrial relations system in Kenya since independence with the objective of determining the governments stand on trade unionism.  It is clear that the government recognizes the importance of trade unions, a fact that is demonstrated through the constitution, the legislation and the institutional framework that have been put in place. The paper concludes that the emergence and develo...