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Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa has introduced the Public Holidays Amendment Bill.
The bill aims to extend long weekends by declaring the preceding Monday a public holiday when a holiday falls on a Tuesday.
Likewise, it suggests designating the succeeding Friday as a public holiday when a holiday falls on a Thursday.
The primary objective of this legislation is to prioritize the well-being of workers and stimulate the tourism industry in the country.
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.
He added that 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.
Senator Thang’wa argued that by granting an additional day off, the hospitality and tourism industries would experience an upsurge in demand.
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.
He explained that if the Amendment Bill becomes law, it would only affect a limited number of days in the calendar year.
In 2023, for instance, three holidays would qualify for the extended weekend provision: Madaraka Day, Huduma Day, and Jamhuri Day.
Madaraka Day, falling on a Thursday would grant Kenyans an additional day off on Friday. Similarly, Huduma Day and Jamhuri Day, both occurring on Tuesdays, would result in an extended weekend with Monday designated as a public holiday.
The senator said that Kenya would not be the pioneer in adopting the concept of holiday economics.
He noted that the Philippines and other countries have successfully implemented similar measures, reaping the benefits of increased tourism and improved work-life balance for their citizens.