The government of Kenya has surprisingly declared November 13 as a national holiday dedicated to tree planting, an initiative that is part of its bold project to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. An Unexpected Announcement
It was the Minister of Interior, Kithure Kindiki, who made the announcement through an official statement published on social media. “The government has proclaimed a special holiday on Monday, November 13, 2023, during which it is expected that the population across the country will plant trees as a patriotic contribution to the national efforts to save our country from the devastating effects of climate change,” Kindiki stated.
A Significant Financial Commitment
Currently, Kenya’s forest cover is about 7%, but the government has allocated more than 80 million dollars in this fiscal year as part of its commitment to increase it to over 10%.
The Role of Trees in Combating Climate Change
Trees store carbon, one of the main drivers of global warming.
Conversely, deforestation accelerates climate change: it disrupts plant photosynthesis, so trees no longer absorb carbon.
Moreover, it is often accompanied by fires, which release large amounts of carbon dioxide.
The Climate Crisis and Kenya
The climate crisis is causing worsening droughts in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, where rains have failed for five consecutive seasons.
An Unprecedented Commitment
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests of Kenya has stated that it will provide the seedlings for what it has called “an unprecedented government commitment to our climate action obligations.”
A Moment of Solidarity
“It is a time for Kenyans to stand in solidarity in the defense of our environment, it is a ‘hummingbird’ day of contribution, all of us united to fight the climate crisis,” declared the Minister of Environment, Roselinda Soipan Tuya.
A Priority Program for the President
William Ruto has made the national landscape and ecosystem restoration program a priority since he took office in September 2022.
His plans have been praised by King Charles III, who was in Kenya last week for his first visit to an African nation since ascending the throne last year.
A Royal Praise
“Having planted trees for most of my life, I thought I was doing quite well, but your ambition to plant 15 billion trees makes me admire your efforts,” he said during a state banquet.
A Symbolic Gesture
During his visit to the country, Charles planted a tree at the State House in Nairobi and in the Karura Forest, which is associated with the late environmentalist and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.
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