Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared a special working holiday on Monday, November 13, 2023.
In a Gazette Notice, CS Kindiki said the holiday will allow Kenyans across the country to plant trees.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Monday, 13th November 2023, a public holiday in which the public shall be engaged in tree growing countrywide,” read part of the Gazette Notice.
According to the CS, “The exercise is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme-Towards the Growing of Fifteen (15) billion trees.”
The Gazette Notice further stated, “There will be a designated National venue for the tree planting presided over by His Excellency (Dr.) William Samoei Ruto, PhD., C.G.H., the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, and forty-seven (47) County venues, presided over by Cabinet Secretaries and Governors, where all Kenyan citizens and the general public shall be expected to participate.”
Also Read: Govt’ to Plant 15 billion Trees by 2032
In addition, Kindiki explained that Cabinet approved the decision during a meeting in Mombasa, which President William Ruto chaired.
However, the CS said the holiday will not affect the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
The national test kicked off Monday, November 6 and will run up to November 24.
“National Examinations scheduled for that day shall proceed normally,” the notice from Interior clarified.
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Kindiki move give Tree planting project impetus
After taking over from his predecessor retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto announced his government’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees.
According to Ruto, the project seeks to reclaim, rehabilitate and conserve degraded landscapes.
“Over the next 10 years, we will grow at least 15 billion trees and restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded forests and rangelands,” said Ruto during the launch of the 7th edition of the Annual Kaptagat Tree Planting in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“I appeal to every Kenyan to plant at least 30 trees each year. In our country and region, droughts have increased in frequency, intensity and duration,” President Ruto explained, calling on Kenyans to rally behind his project.
Also Read: Ruto Praises Kenya’s Achievements at Africa Climate Summit
Ruto President Ruto’s tree planting project, which is part of the climate action to mitigate the effects of climate change has received recognition from all over the world.
King Charles III, while on his 4-day official tour to Kenya, lauded the efforts by the Head of State.
“As Wangari Maathai said: “When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope. We also secure the future for our children.”
This is a sentiment that, as avid dendrophiles – lovers of trees – I know, Mr. President, that you and I share.
Indeed, having been planting trees for most of my life, I thought I was doing rather well, but your ambition to plant fifteen billion trees makes me look rather more critically at my own efforts!” said the King during a banquet at State House, Nairobi.
