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Explainer: The significance of Labour day celebrations

A jua kali artisan at work at his shop in Nairobi. (Photo: Kenya National Qualifications Authority)

By Amina Wako | 01 May 2024

In Kenya, the labour force has also seen significant growth, with a total of 19.1 million people employed in 2022, mostly in the informal sector.

Today, Kenya joins the rest of the world in celebrating Labour Day, a significant global holiday that recognises the historic struggles and contributions of workers towards better working conditions, fair wages, and labour rights.

The origins of Labour Day date back to the late 19th century, when workers in industrialised countries began organising and campaigning for improved working conditions, including an eight-hour day.

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The Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886 was a pivotal moment in the labour movement, leading to the establishment of Labour Day as a public holiday.

Since the country's first International Workers' Day in 1964, Kenya has celebrated Labour Day on May 1 every year.

On this day, workers across the country take a break from their duties to attend public events organised by trade unions and labour organisations.

Address challenges

Influential leaders, including those from the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), the President, and the Labour Minister, use this platform to address the challenges faced by workers, such as the high cost of living and the need for salary increases.

According to Statista, the global workforce has grown significantly, from 2.23 billion people in 1991 to an estimated 3.5 billion in 2024. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a noticeable drop in global employment between 2019 and 2020.

In Kenya, the labour force has also seen significant growth, with a total of 19.1 million people employed in 2022, mostly in the informal sector. In 2023, the labour force increased by 0.8 million (+3.23%), reaching a high of 25.5 million people.

Labour Day celebrations in Kenya have led to significant milestones, such as the 12 per cent increase in the minimum wage announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022. This move demonstrated the government's commitment to improving workers' welfare.

As Kenyans celebrate Labour Day, they honour the struggles and contributions of workers towards the country's economic development and growth amid hopes of an increase in minimum wages.