Kenya Declares May 10 National Tree Growing Day as Public Holiday Amid Flood Crisis

In response to the ongoing flood crisis and to commemorate National Tree Growing Day, the Kenyan government has declared Friday, May 10, as a public holiday. This announcement, made by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing both environmental concerns and the humanitarian impact of the floods.

President William Ruto, speaking at State House Nairobi, emphasised that May 10 would mark the beginning of a significant tree-planting program aimed at mitigating climate change. The day will also serve as a remembrance for those who have lost their lives in the floods, reflecting the dual purpose of environmental conservation and honouring flood victims.

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The President urged all Kenyans to join in the tree-planting efforts, aiming for at least 50 trees planted per person. With a goal of planting 200 million trees on this day, the government aims to improve the environment and foster sustainable growth.

The decision to declare May 10 as a public holiday comes amidst sobering statistics from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, reporting 238 fatalities, 75 missing persons, and over 47,000 displaced families. These floods have impacted over 286,000 people across 22 counties, with many seeking refuge in temporary camps.

Kenya’s commitment to environmental conservation is further demonstrated by its participation in the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Program. This initiative, championed by President Ruto, aims to plant 15 billion trees over the next decade. The President’s dedication to environmental causes earned praise from King Charles III during his visit to Kenya, highlighting the international significance of Kenya’s environmental efforts.

Meanwhile, the flood crisis has drawn attention from international organisations like the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which noted the catastrophic impact of the floods on communities and infrastructure. With over 637,000 people affected and tens of thousands displaced, urgent assistance is needed to address the humanitarian fallout of the floods.

As Kenya navigates the challenges of climate change and its consequences, the government’s proactive measures, including tree-planting initiatives and public holidays like National Tree Growing Day, underscore the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and disaster response. Collaborative efforts between national and international stakeholders will be crucial in mitigating the impact of climate change and supporting affected communities.