Kenya declares surprise public holiday to plant trees

The country has set an ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 and says 13 November will see everyone ‘pulling together to fight back the climate crisis’

A Jacaranda tree in bloom in Nairobi, Kenya (AP)

The Kenyan government has announced a surprise public holiday for a nationwide tree-planting day, as part of its ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

The interior minister, Kithure Kindiki, made the announcement following a cabinet meeting chaired by president William Ruto.

“The government has declared a special holiday on Monday 13 November 2023, during which the public across the country shall be expected to plant trees as a patriotic contribution to the national efforts to save our country from the devastating effects of climate change,” Mr Kindiki said.

Kenya‘s current forest cover currently stands at about 7 per cent but the government has set aside more than $80n (£64.6n) this financial year as it bids to increase tree cover to more than 10 per cent of the country.

Trees store carbon, one of the main drivers of global warming. In contrast, deforestation accelerates the climate crisis: it halts plant photosynthesis, so the trees are no longer taking up carbon. It is also often accompanied by burning, which releases lots of carbon dioxide.

Climate change is worsening droughts in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, where rains have failed for five seasons in a row.

The Kenyan environment, climate change and forestry ministry said it will provide tree seedlings for what it said is “an unprecedented show of commitment by the government towards our climate action obligations”.

“It is a moment for Kenyans to stand in solidarity in the defence of our environment, it’s a ‘hummingbird’ contribution day, all of us pulling together to fight back the climate change crisis,” said the environment minister, Soipan Tuya.

Mr Ruto has made the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme a priority since assuming the presidency in September 2022.

His plans have drawn praise from King Charles III, who was in Kenya last week for his first visit to an African nation since he ascended to the throne last year.

“Having been planting trees for most of my life, I thought I was doing rather well, but your ambition for planting 15 billion trees makes me admire your efforts,” the King said at a state banquet.

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

Associated Press