^{By Felix Wanjala}.

A section of Kenyans have expressed dissatisfaction with this year’s Labour Day celebrations, a day set aside globally to honor workers.

In Kenya, the main event was held at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.Many citizens argue that the celebrations came at a difficult time, as parents across the country struggle to raise school fees for the second term, reflecting the broader economic hardship facing households.Unlike previous years, this year’s Labour Day appears to have gone largely unnoticed by a significant portion of the population, with normal business activities continuing in many parts of the country.

Citizens are now urging President William Ruto’s administration to prioritize job creation as a solution to the escalating cost of living.According to 2023 data, Kenya’s national unemployment rate stood at 5.68%, a slight decline from 5.81% in 2022.

However, the overall figure masks significant disparities, particularly among the youth and women.Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with around 67% of Kenyans aged 15 to 34 out of work—highlighting the difficulty young people face in accessing meaningful employment.

Women are disproportionately affected by unemployment. In 2023, 40.3% of women reported being jobless, compared to 18.5% of men.

The gender gap in employment remains stark, especially among those without formal education, where unemployment among women is more than three times higher than that of their male counterparts.