BREAKING: Government Declares Monday Public Holiday, Gives Reason

BREAKING: Government Declares Monday Public Holiday, Gives Reason

In an unexpected move, the Kenyan government announced November 13th as a nationwide public holiday dedicated to tree planting, as part of its ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki conveyed the news through a gazette notice shared on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto held the previous week.

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Kindiki stated, “The Government has declared a special holiday on Monday, November 13, 2023, during which the public across the Country shall be expected to plant trees as a patriotic contribution to the national efforts to save our Country from the devastating effects of Climate Change.”

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Kenya’s current forest cover stands at around 7%, prompting the government to allocate over $80 million in the current fiscal year to increase it to more than 10%. Trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, a vital element in addressing global warming. Conversely, deforestation exacerbates climate change by disrupting plant photosynthesis, hindering carbon absorption, and releasing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide through associated burning.

Climate change has intensified droughts in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, where insufficient rainfall has been a concern for five consecutive seasons.

The Kenyan Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has committed to providing tree seedlings, demonstrating the government’s strong dedication to fulfilling climate action responsibilities.

Environment Minister Soipan Tuya remarked, “It is a moment for Kenyans to stand in solidarity in the defense of our environment, it’s a ‘hummingbird’ contribution day, all of us pulling together to fight back the climate change crisis.”

Since taking office in September 2022, President Ruto has prioritized the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Program, earning commendation from King Charles III during his recent visit to Kenya.

The King, in his inaugural trip to an African nation since becoming king last year, praised Kenya’s efforts, stating, “Having been planting trees for most of my life, I thought I was doing rather well, but your ambition for planting 15 billion trees makes me admire your efforts.”

Charles participated in tree planting activities at the State House in Nairobi and the Karura forest, closely associated with the late environmentalist and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.

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