The government has gazetted Friday, May 10, as a public holiday to mark the National Tree Growing Day.
Interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki, in a gazette notice issued on Wednesday, said that the decision was in recognition of the devastating effects of climate change and the threat it poses to national security, public safety and the ecological sustainability of Kenya.
Kindiki said that the day will also be used to show solidarity with all persons adversely affected by cyclic floods and subsequent droughts in recent times.
“Acknowledging that tree growing is the singular long-term solution to the climate crisis and its devastating effects on life and livelihoods.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, I declare Friday, 10th May 2024, a Public Holiday for purposes of countrywide tree growing activities,” Kindiki said.
The CS gave the notice after President William Ruto earlier announced the gazettement at State House Nairobi during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Kajiado Central and Laikipia North.
Ruto at the same time announced an extensive tree-planting programme that is to be launched to conserve and restore the environment and begin to reverse the challenges of climate change.
“On this day, we will plant trees and remind ourselves that the solution to climate change is taking care of our environment,” Ruto said.
The President announced that the plan is to plant 200 million trees on the day and urged each Kenyan to plant at least 50 trees.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Forestry and Climate Change will hold a press conference later on Wednesday to give further directions.
“We shall be having a National Tree Growing Day on Friday May 10, 2024. A gazette notice shall be issued to this effect,” Mwaura said.
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