Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Soipan Tuya, has rallied Kenyans to join hands in planting trees from Friday ahead of National Tree Growing Day which will be commemorated on Monday, November 13.
In a statement on X, the CS noted the significance of the event as an opportunity for citizens to collectively champion environmental protection.
"Monday, 13th November 2023, as gazetted, is a Special Workday designated for a National Tree Growing exercise to take advantage of the short rains. It is a moment for Kenyans to stand in solidarity in the defense of our environment, it’s a ‘hummingbird’ contribution day, all of us pulling together to fight back the climate change crisis! It is an unprecedented show of commitment by the Government towards our climate action obligations," Tuya expressed.
Monday, 13th November 2023, as gazetted, is a Special Work day designated for a National Tree Growing exercise to take advantage of the short rains.
It is a moment for Kenyans to stand in solidarity in the defense of our environment, it’s a ‘humming bird’ contribution day, all… pic.twitter.com/iYItWdKJkJ— Hon. Soipan Tuya CBS (@HonTuya) November 7, 2023
The event is part of a nationwide effort aimed at leveraging the short rains season for tree-planting activities.
The CS underscored the need for these collaborative efforts on combating climate change calling it a shared responsibility that would help Kenya meet its climate action obligations.
"Each one of us will have an opportunity to take part in accelerating our country's broad landscapes and ecosystem restoration agenda that's hinged on the 15bn national tree growing programme. I call on all our partners to join hands and walk this journey with us… We shall provide specific details of the tree growing day in due course, including venues for National and County activities to be presided over by His Excellency The President, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors and other Senior Ranks of the Executive," Tuya remarked.
The CS also highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, urging unity among various stakeholders in the country's quest for environmental conservation and restoration.
She encouraged proactive engagement from individuals, communities, and organizations, emphasizing the inclusivity and collective effort required to make a substantial impact.
"Tuanze kupanda miti Friday," Tuya stated.
Kindiki declares Monday, November 13 holiday
On November 6, Kindiki announced via an official gazette notice that Monday, November 13, will be observed as a public holiday.
The purpose of this holiday is for the public to participate in nationwide tree-planting activities.
"In Exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Monday, November 13 2023, a public holiday in which the public shall be engaged in tree growing countrywide," the gazette notice read.
