National tree planting day to be held this Friday - Mwaura

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced a plan to have a national tree planting day on Friday.

Mwaura through his X handle said the move is to ensure the country meets its target to increase forest cover by 2032.

He said Environment CS Soipan Tuya will be giving further directions on the issue.

"Update: We shall be having a National Tree Growing Day on Friday on May 10, 2024. A gazette notice shall be issued to this effect," Mwaura said.

"Cabinet Secretary for Environment, forestry and Climate Change Soipan Tuya, shall hold a press conference today (Wednesday) to give further directions," he added.

National tree planting day is a significant event that encourages Kenyans to plant trees to contribute to the national goal of increasing forest cover.

The day is not only about planting trees but also creating awareness of the importance of conservation and the role played by forests in sustaining the environment.

Last year, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) reported that the event saw over 150 million trees planted across the country.

According to Kefri, government's Jaza Miti app documented over 10 million of the said plantings.

Reflecting on last year’s success of the event, the Spokesperson called on all stakeholders to support the tree planting programme to achieve the 500 million trees target.

The national tree growing day was inaugurated on November 13, 2023.

It marked Kenya’s commitment to plant 15 billion trees by the year 2032 with a key aim to restore 10.6 million hectares of forest.

Speaking at the event in Kiu Wetland Makueni county last year, President William Ruto said every tree planted is a breath of life for the nation.

“During the long rains period of April -June 2024, we will grow 1 billion seedlings to reach our target,” Tuya said during a past event.