Kiambu county Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa has proposed a bill seeking the amendment of public holidays in Kenya.
The bill seeks to extend the weekend for Kenyans if a holiday falls on Tuesday or Thursday. According to the senator, if a holiday falls on Tuesday, Monday should also be made a holiday and if a public holiday falls on Thursday, Friday should be a holiday too.
Senator Karungo Wa Thangwa's said his motivation behind the Amendment Bill stems from the desire to offer workers adequate time for rest, rejuvenation, and the ability to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
The extended weekends would also facilitate the celebration of traditions and events, enabling families and friends to spend quality time together.
Moreover, he explained that the proposal seeks to encourage domestic tourism by providing more opportunities for longer trips and visits to different destinations within Kenya.
"Longer weekends would entice more Kenyans to explore their own country, thereby stimulating local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Additionally, by promoting domestic tourism, the Amendment Bill aims to reduce the country's reliance on international tourists and enhance the resilience of the tourism sector to global economic fluctuations."
This year three holidays would qualify for the extended weekend provision: Madaraka Day, Huduma Day, and Jamhuri Day.
The senator added that other countries such as the Philippines have successfully implemented the holiday extension law.
