Speech by His Excellency President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, C.G.H., M.P., on Labour Day, May 1, 1970

Abstract

Labour day is an international holiday, which is observed in over 80 countries to commemorate the achievements and contributions of the labour movement. The holiday is also known as International Worker’s Day or May Day. The first May Day celebrations took place on the 1st day of May 1890 after its proclamation by the first international congress of socialist parties in Europe on July 14th 1889 in Paris, France, to dedicate May 1st, every year as the "Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity”. In Kenya, Labour day is officiated by the Labour Union Leaders, who address the challenges faced by the workforce as well as recognize the immense contribution made by workers in the country’s economy. The climax of the Labour day celebrations is the Presidential address.