President William Ruto has unveiled plans for a monumental tree-planting initiative, with a goal of planting 200 million trees on Friday, May 10.
The announcement, made during the opening of the CCI Global Contact Centre in Tatu City, comes as the President seeks to continue with his bid to increase the country's tree cover to over 10 per cent.
With the government declaring May 10 as a public holiday to commemorate National Tree Planting Day, President Ruto pledged to lead by example, committing to personally plant 20,000 trees.
“Today as Kenya, we have purposed to plant a minimum of 200 million trees in one day,” stated President Ruto. He added, “I have been assigned to plant 20,000 trees, and I need some help."
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki hailed the initiative as a crucial step towards addressing the climate crisis, emphasising the importance of tree planting in safeguarding both life and livelihoods.
"This day marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards a greener and more sustainable future," remarked President Ruto during a speech at State House in Nairobi. He reiterated the significance of the occasion, stressing the need for collective action in tackling environmental challenges.
The inaugural National Tree Planting Day holds poignant significance, serving as a memorial for those who lost their lives in the devastating floods that swept across the nation.
President Ruto urged all Kenyans to unite in the endeavour, rallying support for the ambitious goal of planting 200 million trees in a single day.
In a bid to encourage public participation, Kenyans have been urged to purchase and plant at least two seedlings on their own land.
The initiative forms a central pillar of President Ruto's National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme, a key priority since assuming office in September 2022.
Environment Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya on Thursday stated, "Wananchi are encouraged to plant trees on their farms, neighborhoods and at designated public sites in honour of those we lost to floods. Every adult Kenyan is expected to plant at least 50 trees, and child 10 trees."
His commitment to environmental stewardship has garnered international acclaim, with King Charles III of Britain commending Kenya's ambitious tree-planting agenda during his recent visit to the country.
"Your ambition for planting 15 billion trees makes me admire your efforts," remarked King Charles III during a state banquet, reflecting on his own lifelong commitment to tree planting. His symbolic tree planting ceremonies at State House in Nairobi and the iconic Karura Forest point to the global significance of Kenya's environmental initiatives.
