Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day, is a public holiday in Kenya celebrated annually on 1st May. This holiday is dedicated to honor the contributions and achievements of workers across all sectors of the Kenyan economy. The holiday trace its origin back to the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago that called for the establishment of an eight-hour workday, and was officially recognised as an annual celebration in Kenya after it gained independence in 1963.
Every year on Labour Day, workers in Kenya participate in organized parades and festivities. The event is usually marked by speeches from union leaders and government officials, addressing labor issues and celebrating the efforts made by labor unions and the workforce in general. The key venue for these celebrations is Uhuru Park in the capital city Nairobi, where people gather in large numbers to commemorate the day.
While Labour Day serves as a day of celebration, it is also a platform for workers to express their concerns and voice their demands for better working conditions, fair wages, and their rights. Labour unions often take this opportunity to negotiate for better terms and policies with government representatives and employers. Despite being a day of rest and remembrance, Labour Day in Kenya underscores the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and the significant role they play in the country's economic development.