Announcing a public holiday for planting in Kenya

The Kenyan government has declared a national planting day as part of its plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

Home Affairs Minister Kethure Kandiki made the announcement after a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto.

He said, “The government has announced a special holiday on Monday, November 13, 2023, during which the people across the country will be expected to show their patriotism in the national effort to save our country from the devastating effects of climate change.” will plant plants.’

Kenya’s current forest cover is about seven percent, but the government has earmarked more than $80 million this fiscal year as it aims to plant more than 10 percent of the country with trees.

Trees store carbon, which is one of the main drivers of global warming. Conversely, deforestation accelerates the climate crisis: it inhibits plant photosynthesis.

Climate change is making droughts worse in the Horn of Africa, including in Kenya, where it has not rained for five consecutive seasons.

Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has said it will provide the tree nursery in what it says is an ‘unprecedented demonstration of the government’s commitment to climate action’. .’

“This is the moment for Kenyans to stand together in defense of our environment, this is a ‘hummingbird’ partnership day, as we all fight the climate change crisis,” said Kenyan Environment Minister Swapin Toya. are working together for

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Since assuming the presidency in September 2022, Mr Ruto has prioritized the national landscape and ecosystem restoration programme.

His plans have been praised by King Charles III, who was in Kenya last year on his first visit to an African country since ascending to the throne.

‘Having spent most of my life planting trees, I thought I was doing a great job, but your ambition to plant 15 billion trees has made me wonder,’ King Charles said at a state banquet. The efforts have been recognized.

King Charles planted a tree at State House in the capital, Nairobi, and at Karura Forest, which is associated with the late environmentalist and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.