Duale urges Kenyans to embrace conservation as Mazingira Day approaches

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on Kenyans to actively participate in environmental conservation as the country prepares to celebrate its inaugural Mazingira Day on October 10.

This new public holiday highlights the need for urgent actions from both the government and citizens to promote a sustainable environment for future generations.

"Mazingira Day is a crucial opportunity to accelerate environmental protection and raise awareness of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution," Duale said on Tuesday.

The CS noted that the day aligns with the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded land by planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

To celebrate Mazingira Day, Duale has encouraged Kenyans to engage in several key activities.

The Environment CS urged citizens to participate in clean-up initiatives to remove waste from homes, roads, parks, beaches, and other public areas.

He emphasised the importance of tree planting as a vital measure to combat the effects of climate change.

Pollution control forums

Duale also invited Kenyans to attend forums and partake in discussions that focus on pollution control and effective waste management practices.

This year's celebration marks the first time October 10 will be recognised as Mazingira Day, following its re-designation from Utamaduni Day through the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments Act, 2024), which was signed by President William Ruto on April 24. The change reflects the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

Kenyans are encouraged to volunteer for or contribute to organisations dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental protection, reduce plastic use, conserve water, and leverage social media to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Mazingira Day presents a vital opportunity for the nation to unite in fostering a healthier environment and addressing pressing ecological challenges.

The holiday which is celebrated on October 10 every year has seen a series of metamorphoses.

Utamaduni Day replaced the long-observed October 10 holiday, transitioning from Moi Day, whose observance was discontinued over a decade ago.

Udamaduni, Swahili for culture, replaced Huduma (service) Day which was initially adopted to regularise the October 10 holiday introduced in the 1980s in honour of the late former president Daniel Arap Moi but was dropped under a new constitutional dispensation.

Moi Day was dropped from the list of Kenyan national holidays in August 2010 after the adoption of the new Constitution.

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet had in December 2019 approved changing its name to Huduma Day, which then became Utamaduni Day in 2020 to honour the nation's diverse cultural heritage.

In April this year, it was renamed Mazingira Day, from Utamaduni Day.