President William Ruto has declared Friday, May 10, 2024, a public holiday in honor of flood victims across the country as a result of the witnessed heavy rainfall.
Speaking during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Laikipia North and Kajiado Central, the head of state noted that the holiday will be gazetted.
Additionally, he noted that Kenyans will spend the day engaging in a tree planting program for climate change mitigation.
Earlier, government spokespersons Isaac Mwaura indicated that the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, forestry and Climate Change Soipan Tuya will hold a press conference to give further directions.
“We shall be having a National Tree Growing Day on Friday 10th May 2024.A gazette notice shall be issued to this effect.
“Hon Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, forestry & Climate Change shall hold a press conference today to give further directions,” said Mwaura.
Also Read: Ruto Signs Law Renaming a Public Holiday
Ruto Announces School Opening Dates
At the same time, the head of state has announced that schools will reopen for the second term on Monday, May 13, explaining that his decision are informed by reports from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The move came after Ruto postponed the reopening dates for the second time while issuing the state of the nation address on May 6.
Ruto had earlier noted that the government will provide funds for damaged school infrastructure through NG-CDF.
In a previous memo, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu directed all Boards of Management (BOM) of schools to meet and submit reports on the status of their respective schools by May 8th, 2024.
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According to him, the reports should detail the damage caused to school infrastructure due to the adverse weather conditions and the mitigation measures.
“All Boards of Management of schools are directed to convene meetings and submit reports to their respective County Education Boards regarding the status of their respective schools.
“These reports should detail all relevant matters, such as any damage caused to school infrastructure due to the adverse weather conditions and outline mitigation measures. The reports are critical for, among others, engaging with the National Government Constituency Development Fund on the restoration of the damaged infrastructure,” he said.
Utamaduni vs Mazingira Day
On April 25, Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill, 2023, effectively deleting Utamaduni Day as a public holiday. Subsequently, he renamed the holiday Mazingira Day.
Previously observed on October 10th, Utamaduni Day was a celebration of Kenya’s vibrant heritage and diverse cultures.
However, with its transformation into Mazingira Day, the emphasis shifted towards promoting environmental consciousness and proactive measures. This realignment focused on global initiatives aimed at tackling urgent ecological issues like climate change, rising flood occurrences, and severe food shortages.
On the other hand, the October 10 public holiday was previously Moi Day, (unofficially referred as Huduma Day). It was celebrated each year on October 10, honoring former Kenyan President Daniel Moi.
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