Vihiga lights up to Labour Day celebrations

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Thousands of Kenyans have gathered at Friends School Chavakali High in Vihiga County, as it plays host to this year’s 61st Labour Day celebrations.

The ground is currently charged with local music, rendering the air as locals and national leaders continue to stream in a historic move, hosting the celebrations outside Nairobi for the first time. 

Leaders already present in the chilly, drizzling morning include Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Kakamega's Fernandes Barasa. 

Labour Day, also known as International Workers Day or May Day, is a public holiday that is recognised in various countries worldwide to appreciate the struggle of working individuals. In Kenya, it is celebrated on May 1, but the date varies in different countries.

According to the Central Organisations of Trade Unions (COTU-K), this year’s Labour Day theme is "Strengthening Local Production and Protecting Workers' Rights."

For many Kenyans, the day usually has a lot of expectations from the government on this day.

The celebrations come amid anxiety from workers who have raised concerns over poor pay, double taxation, and shrinking revenues.

Other concerns include salary increment, health and safety of workers, and workers' constitutional rights.