Interior CS Kithure Kindiki declares November 13 as a public holiday for a massive tree-planting initiative, part of Kenya’s ambitious plan to grow 15 billion trees.
President William Ruto to lead the tree-planting campaign with Cabinet Secretaries and Governors presiding over events in all 47 counties.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, has officially declared Monday, November 13, 2023, a public holiday with a unique purpose – nationwide tree planting. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Program, aiming to grow a staggering 15 billion trees.
In a gazette notice issued on November 6, Prof. Kindiki’s declaration stated, “The exercise is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Program–Towards the Growing of Fifteen (15) billion trees.” President William Ruto will preside over a designated national venue for the tree-planting event.
Across all 47 counties, Cabinet Secretaries and Governors will oversee tree planting activities, inviting all Kenyan citizens and the general public to participate in this monumental environmental effort.
The decision to declare November 13 as a public holiday stems from a Cabinet meeting held on November 3, recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change and in line with the ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
The initiative not only aims to combat climate change but also to restore forest cover, reducing greenhouse emissions. It is a testament to President Ruto’s commitment to this cause, who has continually called upon Kenyans to support the mission of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, ensuring its full implementation.
As part of the campaign, the government plans to distribute tree seedlings through local chiefs, accelerating tree-planting efforts throughout the nation. The ambitious tree-planting drive is designed to increase the country’s forest cover by an additional five billion trees. The government’s national target is to plant 500 million trees by December 25.
This remarkable commitment to tree planting has garnered recognition and admiration from both local and international leaders, exemplified by King Charles III’s praise for President Ruto’s efforts.
Note: National examinations scheduled for November 13 will proceed as planned.