Arbeidernes dag i Kenya

A powerful story of labour rights, struggles and victories

Across the world, 1 May is more than just a date on the calendar - it marks the relentless struggle for workers' rights, fair wages and humane working conditions. In Kenya, Labour Day stands as a powerful reminder of generations of men and women who dared to demand better - often at great personal cost. Behind the speeches, processions and political promises lies a deep, hard-won history.

It is a story of colonial oppression, trade union activism and the ongoing struggle for dignity in the workplace. It stretches from the era of colonial exploitation to today's complex challenges of unemployment, understaffing and the informal sector. For Kenya, Labour Day isn't just about honouring workers - it's about recognising the path that has been taken. Through strikes, trade union struggles, political negotiations and constitutional reforms, basic rights that many take for granted today have been fought for.

The origins of Labour Day: A global movement

Labour Day has its roots in the global labour movement. Today's significance is tied to historic struggles that have shaped how workers around the world - including in Kenya - fight for their rights today.

On 4 May 1886, American workers organised a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour working day. The protests culminated in the Haymarket riot in Chicago, where a bomb exploded during a violent confrontation between police and workers - several lost their lives. The perpetrators were never clearly identified, but the incident became a rallying cry for workers around the world.

To commemorate this struggle, 1 May was chosen as an international day to honour workers' rights. The day symbolises workers' unity and a cry for social justice in the face of the brutal conditions of the industrial revolution.
In the early 1900s, many countries in Europe, Latin America and parts of Africa began to recognise and celebrate Labour Day. In Kenya, however, the road to the recognition of labour rights would become closely intertwined with the broader struggle for independence.

Labour Day in Kenya: From colonial oppression to labour power

During the colonial period (1895-1963), racist labour laws and economic exploitation were introduced. Under British rule, Kenyan labourers - particularly Africans - were forced into low-paid, physically demanding jobs, especially on settler farms and in the construction of railway tracks. Strikes and protests were often met with brutal reprisals.
One of the most oppressive measures was the kipande system, which acted as an internal passport restricting Africans' freedom of movement and job opportunities. In addition, there was the punitive hut tax, designed to force Africans into wage labour on settler farms, the railway and in industry.

The cradle of the labour movement: 1947 and Makhan Singh

One of the earliest and most significant labour actions was the Mombasa port workers' strike in 1947, led by the charismatic Makhan Singh, often referred to as the father of the trade union movement in Kenya. Singh, a Kenyan-Indian activist, started organising workers as early as the 1930s. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Labour Trade Union of Kenya in 1935, and later the East African Trade Union Congress.
Singh's leadership laid the foundation for a stronger and more organised trade union movement in Kenya. His message of African-Asian unity in the face of colonial exploitation was groundbreaking. As early as 1950, he demanded immediate independence for Kenya - a statement that led to him being interned for over ten years.

The 1950s: Political and professional interaction

In the 1950s, as the struggle for independence intensified, trade unions and political movements became inextricably linked. Up stepped Tom Mboya, a brilliant young trade union leader. As General Secretary of the Kenya Federation of Labour, Mboya organised strikes, fought for better wages and represented Kenyan workers internationally - including in major conferences where he worked for both workers' rights and Kenya's independence.
Under Mboya's leadership, the labour movement became a political force, fighting not only for fair work, but for the freedom of the nation.

A new chapter: Labour Day celebrations
It was during this intense period of activism that Labour Day began to be formally recognised in Kenya. After independence in 1963, 1 May became an official holiday in the national calendar - a symbol of both the triumph of the working class and the nation's ambition for a just society.

Key milestones in Kenya's Labour Day history

1963: Kenya celebrates its first Labour Day as an independent nation. The day is marked with demonstrations and demands for better labour conditions and national unity.
The 1970s and 1980s: Labour Day becomes a platform for demands for higher wages amidst economic challenges, inflation and political repression.
2010: The new constitution enshrines economic and social rights and strengthens the legal framework for labour protection. Labour Day celebrations increase focus on constitutional guarantees and fair working conditions.
2020s: In recent times, Labour Day has mirrored broader challenges such as unemployment, increased cost of living and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic - particularly for workers in the informal sector.

How Labour Day is celebrated in Kenya today

Today, Labour Day is marked in Kenya with national events, usually held at Uhuru Park in Nairobi or other large venues. The celebrations are led by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), with the General Secretary giving the keynote address. The President of Kenya or their representative also usually delivers a speech, responding to workers' demands, talking about labour conditions, economic challenges facing workers, the government's promises to create jobs and announcing wage adjustments.

Labour Day celebrations often include

Parades and demonstrations organised by trade unions.
Cultural events that celebrate Kenya's diverse workforce.
Award ceremonies honouring exemplary workers, trade union leaders and institutions that promote labour rights.
Public speeches addressing workers' concerns such as minimum wage increases, job security and social protection.
Cultural performances that celebrate Kenya's diverse labour market.
Despite the celebrations, many workers use the day to reflect on the reality of insecure employment, low wages and the need for continued advocacy.

Challenges and hope for Kenyan workers

Although Kenya has made significant progress in labour rights since independence, several challenges remain:
The informal economy now accounts for over 80 % of employment in Kenya, offering no job security, social benefits or protection.

Youth unemployment remains high, with thousands of young people entering the labour market each year without sufficient opportunities.
Many workers are still struggling with low wages. Despite inflation and the rising cost of living, wage growth is slow in many sectors.
Precarious working conditions and limited access to healthcare.
Weak and corrupt unions. Some unions have been criticised for not adequately protecting their members, weakened by internal conflicts or political interference.

Yet Labour Day continues to be a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of collective action. It encourages workers and leaders alike to build a more inclusive and equitable economy, where every Kenyan can work with dignity.

Labour Day in Kenya isn't just a public holiday - it's a powerful symbol of resilience, sacrifice and progress. From the port workers' strikes of 1935 to today's demands for better social protection, Labour Day tells the story of a nation shaped by the work of its people.

As Kenya moves forward, the spirit of Labour Day reminds us that true national development is impossible without respect for - and empowerment of - the hands that build the country. As we raise our voices, wave our flags and march in solidarity, we must remember that the true spirit of Labour Day is not just about celebration - it's about commitment.

For justice.

For equal treatment.

To every Kenyan who works, fights and believes in a better tomorrow.
Congratulations on Labour Day, Kenya!