Breaking News: A Day of Remembrance and Renewal – May 10 Declared public holiday – National Tree Planting Day!

In a bold and heartfelt gesture, the Kenyan government has declared Friday, May 10th, a public holiday a day not only to honor the memory of those lost in the nationwide floods but also to embark on a monumental mission: National Tree Planting Day!

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura took to his X account to announce this historic declaration, confirming that a gazette notice will formalize the occasion. He also hinted at a press conference to be hosted by Hon. Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Forestry & Climate Change, to unveil further details.

Speaking from the hallowed halls of State House in Nairobi, President William Ruto shared his vision for this momentous day—a day that will not only see the earth replenished with new life but also serve as a beacon of hope in the face of climate change.

“This day is more than just a public holiday,” declared President Ruto. “It’s a solemn vow to remember those we’ve lost to the floods and a rallying cry to safeguard our planet for generations to come.”

With resolve in his voice, President Ruto called upon every Kenyan to stand united in a colossal effort: to plant a staggering 200 million trees on this special day, a collective step towards healing our environment and securing a brighter future for all.

As the nation mourns the loss of 238 lives to the ongoing floods, with 75 still missing, the significance of this day grows ever more poignant. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there lies a beacon of hope—a chance to turn grief into action, despair into determination.

This initiative builds upon the government’s ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees in a decade, a commitment made tangible through the inaugural National Tree Planting Day held last November. The response was overwhelming, with Kenyans from all walks of life coming together to sow the seeds of change.

On this day of remembrance and renewal, let us heed the call to action, let us honor the memory of the fallen, and let us plant the seeds of a greener, brighter tomorrow. May 10th marks not just a holiday, but a promise—a promise to nurture and protect our precious planet for generations to come.