Interior CS Kithure Kindiki declares November 13 a public holiday

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has declared Monday, November 13, as a public holiday dedicated to nationwide tree-planting activities. This initiative is part of Kenya's Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Program, which aims to grow fifteen billion trees. The announcement emphasised the essential role of the public in this campaign.

A designated national venue will host the tree-planting ceremony, presided over by President William Samoei Ruto, while Cabinet Secretaries and Governors will lead similar activities across the 47 counties, encouraging widespread participation.

The Cabinet recently dedicated a specific working day for intensive tree planting, acknowledging the importance of addressing climate change and fulfilling the 15 billion tree pledge. The National Tree Planting Campaign, aligned with the Presidential Programme for the Accelerated Restoration of Forests and Rangelands, aims to combat greenhouse gas emissions and promote reforestation.

Each Cabinet Secretary will supervise tree-planting efforts in at least two counties, fostering environmental stewardship. President Ruto's determination to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 has garnered support. The government is distributing tree seedlings through local chiefs to facilitate extensive tree-planting nationwide.

The ambitious campaign aims to increase the country's forest cover by five billion trees and plant 500 million trees across Kenya by December 25. President Ruto's commitment to environmental conservation has earned praise from leaders, including King Charles III, who commended his dedication to this critical cause.