Kenyan General Strike (1947)

The Kenyan General Strike of 1947 was a general strike in Kenya (mainly the city of Mombosa) in 1947.

Background

Kenya, then a colony of the British Empire, saw a massive underpaid lower class who were frustrated with a lack of change.

Events

On the 7th of January, 3,000 workers met to organize a strike and on the 13th of January 1947, 15,000 workers declared a general strike. 75% of people didn't show up to work in Mombosa, mainly government workers, railroad workers, hotel workers, domestic servants, 4,000 dockworkers (dockers), and many others. Taxi drivers went around the city spreading word of the strike and urging others to participate.

The government immediately declared the strike illegal, citing the Defense Regulations, which made it necessary for the port at Mombasa to stay open, as it was the only major access site to Kenya Colony and Uganda, then known as the Uganda Protectorate. Government threats did not stop workers. Every day strikers met at a soccer field to organize. On the 14th of January, 10,000 workers showed up to the daily meeting, which was run with no official leader, giving everyone an opportunity to speak. Soon the meetings resulted in the formation of the African Workers’ Union. The people appointed 12 executive committee members. The next day, the government arrested 421 strikers, in response, barbers shaved the heads of 12 strikebreakers into strange shapes before a large crowd. Despite threatening legal action against the strikers, the government soon backed down.

Results

The strike ensured a wage increase of at least 20% for workers (some workers got an increase of 40%!) and workers were given housing allowances, paid holidays and paid overtime. The African Workers' Union attempted to organise a second strike to win more demands, but failed as it lost enthusiasm.

References

Global Nonviolent Action Database - 15,000 workers strike, win wage increases in Mombasa, Kenya Colony January 1947