Hello Millenial Readers,

Happy New Month!

I am extremely excited to start this new month of May on such a high note, especially because it’s my birthday month and birthday week 🎉🎉🎉, a million reasons to be happy already. What a promising month 😊😊😊

Today also happens to be Labour Day in Kenya, and I thought it befitting to write about it. Let’s get into it then.

What is Labour Day

Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st every year, is an important holiday in Kenya that recognizes the contributions and achievements of workers in the country. This day is a time for reflection, celebration, and advocacy for workers’ rights and better working conditions. The day’s events are usually marked by speeches, and other festivities organized by the government, trade unions, and other organizations representing workers. Although for most Kenyans it’s a time to take a rest from the busy schedules.

Labour Day in Kenya is a tribute to the struggles and triumphs of the labour movement, and its importance is rooted in the country’s history. The day has been observed in Kenya since 1963 when Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule. At the time, the labour movement played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for independence, advocating for the rights of workers and better working conditions. Since then, Labour Day has been celebrated annually as a day to remember the sacrifices made by workers in the past and to renew their commitment to fighting for social and economic justice.

Labour Day in Kenya is a day of celebration and recognition of the importance of labour to the country’s development. This holiday highlights the significant role that workers play in building the economy, supporting their families, and contributing to the overall progress of the country. It is an opportunity for the government and employers to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of workers and to thank them for their contributions.

Challenges Facing Kenyan Labourers

Despite all the things that Labour Day represents many workers in Kenya still face significant challenges, some of these include:

  • Low wages
  • Long working hours
  • Unsafe working conditions
  • High tax rate despite the low pay
  • Expensive goods and services

This year 2023 especially, has been the worst for the Kenyan labourers and the Kenyan economy with a lot of blame pointed at the new government which in turn blames the previous government for making poor economic decisions.

Other causes of the above include the current inflation that is affecting every country on a global scale, but with third world countries having it rougher than the rest.

With all these in mind, the least we could do in this Labour Day celebration is to recognize that labourers in Kenya do go through a lot, and as the government continues to develop, may it strive to also develop better working conditions and policies for Kenyan workers.

Until next time.

Happy Labour Day!

Noanne ❤❤❤