The origins of Labour Day

Labour Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated worldwide to acknowledge the contributions of workers and advocate for their rights.

It traces its roots back to the industrial era when workers, especially in the United States and Europe, began demanding better working conditions.

One of the defining events in the history of Labour Day was the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where a peaceful workers' rally turned violent, leading to widespread attention on the need for labour reforms.

This incident, among others, led to the establishment of Labour Day as a global celebration of workers' rights.

In Kenya, the significance of Labour Day was officially recognised on May 1, 1964, following the country’s independence.

The holiday was introduced to honour the role of workers in the development of the nation’s economy.

Labour Day in Kenya offers workers a chance to come together, reflecting on their journey and the strides made towards securing better conditions.

It is not a day for work but one for rest and recognition, with various public events taking place, organised mainly by trade unions and other labour organisations.

On this day, workers gather in large numbers to hear speeches from notable figures, including the president, the labour minister, and leaders from the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).

These speeches often highlight the ongoing struggles faced by Kenyan workers, particularly issues like the high cost of living, and they serve as a platform to call for improvements in wages and working conditions.

This annual gathering provides workers an opportunity to voice their concerns and celebrate their achievements.

In 2023, Kenya's labour force grew to a record 25.5 million people, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. This marks an increase of 0.8 million people (3.23%) from the previous year.

While many workers are engaged in the informal sector, the overall rise in the workforce indicates a shift in Kenya’s employment landscape, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

The country’s economy continues to evolve, but it is clear that many workers still face challenges in securing stable jobs with fair wages.

Globally, the number of employed individuals has steadily increased, reaching an estimated 3.5 billion in 2024, up from 2.23 billion in 1991.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the global workforce, reducing the number of employed individuals from 3.3 billion in 2019 to 3.19 billion in 2020.

This decline highlighted the fragility of the global job market, as millions of workers lost their livelihoods in a short period.

As countries around the world mark Labour Day, the focus is often on worker rights, job security, and the need for fair pay.