In Kenya, workers have long understood a fundamental truth: there is a clear difference between being heard and being protected. This is the story of why KUPRECOMP chose the path of a genuine trade union rather than a mere professional society.
The True Role of Trade Unions
Trade unions exist primarily to protect workers’ economic and workplace interests. They are not social clubs or simple networking groups. They are legally empowered institutions that shift power from individual vulnerability to collective strength.
Under the Labour Relations Act, 2007, a registered trade union like KUPRECOMP gains real legal authority. This includes the power to:
Negotiate legally binding Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that set enforceable standards for salaries, allowances, working hours, leave, medical cover, and career progression. These agreements are not optional guidelines; they are binding commitments that employers must respect.
Call protected strikes when negotiations fail and all lawful avenues have been exhausted. In such cases, members can withdraw their labour without fear of arbitrary dismissal, provided due process is followed.
Operate a check-off system where union dues and agency fees are deducted directly from payroll, ensuring sustainability and enabling the union to serve members effectively and consistently.
Access workplaces through union officials who can engage members, address grievances, and ensure compliance with labour standards.
Pursue access to justice by taking disputes to the Employment and Labour Relations Court to enforce rights, challenge violations, and seek legal remedies on behalf of members.
These are not abstract privileges. They are practical instruments that translate into real workplace protection and improved conditions of service.
Union vs Society: Why the Difference Matters
Many professionals belong to societies such as the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), which are registered under the Societies Act. These organizations play an important role in professional development, networking, ethics promotion, and advocacy. However, they have clear legal limitations.
They cannot negotiate binding Collective Bargaining Agreements. They may engage in dialogue, but they cannot compel employers to agree to enforceable terms.
They can only lobby employers. They do not have legal authority to compel negotiation or compliance.
They have no legal right to call strikes or organize protected industrial action.
Membership fees are voluntary, with no mechanism for automatic payroll deduction, which limits their financial and operational capacity.
They remain advisory in nature. Employers are not legally required to recognize or consult them in decision making.
They cannot represent members in labour disputes before courts on employment matters in the way trade unions can.
In simple terms, a society is a professional lobby group, while a trade union is a legally recognized bargaining institution with enforceable power.
Why KUPRECOMP Chose Unionism
KUPRECOMP deliberately registered as a trade union because Public Relations and Communications professionals deserve more than goodwill, recognition, or voluntary advocacy. These are professionals who engage stakeholders, manage media relations, craft strategic messaging, run digital platforms, handle reputation and crisis communication, and advise top leadership on complex decisions that shape organizations and public perception.
Such responsibilities require not only recognition but protection and structured negotiation power.
Through KUPRECOMP, members now have a powerful voice that employers are legally required to engage with. They gain protection against unfair labour practices and discrimination, stronger leverage to negotiate better terms of service, and access to structured welfare support, including instant KSh 20,000 bereavement assistance during times of loss. The union is also expanding its presence across Nairobi, Mombasa, Bungoma, and other regions to ensure national representation.
This is Modern Unionism: strategic, professional, and grounded in law. It combines the developmental value of professional bodies with the enforceable strength of a registered trade union.
KUPRECOMP stands as a legal instrument that empowers PR and Communications professionals not just to be consulted, but to bargain, protect their rights, and secure their future.
The distinction is clear. Lobbying is valuable, but only a trade union can truly negotiate and enforce.
Karibu KUPRECOMP — Where Your Profession Meets Real Power.