Vihiga County is making history as the first venue outside Kenya’s capital city, to host the Labour Day celebrations.
“Labour Day” is an annual event, celebrated in Kenya annually since 1965. It commemorates workers’ achievements while seeking ways to alleviate their problems.
According to the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, Vihiga is all set to welcome guests today. Speaking to the media yesterday, he confirmed that proper security is in place.
He also said that the choice of this year’s venue was arrived at after intense lobbying by the Governor of Vihiga County, with the backing of the President.
Certainly, the County Governor, Dr. Wilbur Khasilwa Ottichilo, will be on hand to welcome Kenya’s President William Ruto, the occasion’s Chief Guest.
Expectations for Today’s Labour Day
- COTU leaders are expected to be seated by 8 a.m.
- 8:30 a.m. will be the time to welcome the Minister of Labour, Alfred Mutua.
- 9:00 a.m. will be a good time to welcome the President
- 9:30 am. Speeches will begin as per the nature of such celebrations
- After the ceremony, the invited guests will proceed to lunch as organized by COTU.
Atwoli sought to dispel the notion many employers have that Labour Day is, to a great extent, about them.
He underscored the importance of the day to workers. He reiterated that the celebrations are about workers worldwide.
The Origin of Labour Day
He explained that the origin of these celebrations was a sad event in Chicago, USA, in 1886.
In the event, which happened on May 4th, employers liaised with police to kill workers on strike agitating to have their workday shortened to eight hours (8 hrs).
Police used dynamite to bomb the crowd of workers gathered at Chicago’s Haymarket Square. Following the hue and cry, countries where unions were already in place agreed to designate May 1st as an annual day to commemorate workers’ efforts and welfare.
For this reason, countries worldwide now celebrate May Day to honour workers.
In Kenya, workers are eagerly awaiting what the President, through the efforts of the Atwoli-led organization, has in store for them. There have been rumors that the President might announce a 23% increase in the minimum wage.
If that happens, it will be a relief for workers, given how fast the cost of living is rising, especially amid the international oil crisis.