NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – The hope of Kenyans to have the current number of public holidays extended to the preceding or following day has been dashed as a Senate committee rejected an amendment proposed by Kiambu Senator Paul Karungo Wa Thang’wa.
Thang’wa’s amendment suggested that public holidays should be extended to either the day before when the holiday falls on a Tuesday or the day after when the holiday falls on a Thursday.
He argued that extending public holidays would ensure employees have ample time to fully enjoy their vacations and tend to their physical and emotional well-being.
However, the Senate Committee, led by Baringo lawmaker William Cheptumo, rejected the proposal to increase the number of public holidays, citing concerns that it would negatively impact the country’s struggling economy.
In a report presented before the Senate recessed in November 2023, Cheptumo’s committee decided that the bill would not advance to the next phase of the parliamentary process, despite passing its First Reading on October 17, 2023.
The report stated, “The Bill has the potential to cause adverse effects on the country, its economy, and the rights of employers.”
“While it is important to consider the well-being of employees and work-life balance, this must be approached cautiously to ensure that the country’s economic growth is not compromised.”
The committee reached this decision after conducting public participation, during which they received only one written memorandum from a stakeholder, the Council of County Governors.
The committee emphasized that many businesses have specific output targets, and reducing the number of business working days due to extended public holidays could force employers to bear the cost of salary payments for days not worked. It could also lead to substantial overtime compensation for employees working on public holidays.
“Majority of employees in Kenya are casual laborers who rely on daily wages to meet their needs; therefore, a reduction in their business working days because of the extension of public holidays on weekdays will hinder their ability to meet the basic needs for themselves and their families,” the report noted.
“Public holidays also disrupt businesses by reducing working days and consequently reducing business output.”
Senator Karungo had argued that public holidays are meant to give employees time off to relax, spend time with friends and family, commemorate significant occasions, or engage in customs. He also pointed out that public holidays are often associated with travel and tourism, which could promote economic growth. Extending public holidays, in his view, might encourage Kenyans to take longer trips and explore destinations farther from their homes, benefiting the hospitality and tourism industries.
However, the proposal’s rejection by the Senate committee means that the current number of public holidays in Kenya will remain unchanged, with no extension to the preceding or following day.
