Kenya to Mark Second Official Mazingira Day Holiday with Nationwide Fruit Tree Planting Drive
Principal Secretary for Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi (right), Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno (left), during a briefing on the 2025 Mazingira Day celebrations in Nairobi.
Kenya is preparing to mark its second official Mazingira Day, a national holiday dedicated to environmental stewardship and tree growing, to be observed annually on October 10. The day was established through the 2024 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, which amended the Public Holidays Act to replace Utamaduni Day with a platform fully devoted to environmental action.
The introduction of Mazingira Day is seen as a landmark step in the country’s climate agenda, creating a unifying platform for citizens, schools, communities, and leaders to champion tree growing, waste management, and clean-up campaigns. It also reinforces the government’s long-term commitment to the 15-Billion Tree Growing Programme, launched by President William Ruto in 2022, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of land and raise Kenya’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032.
Speaking during a media breakfast in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, said this year’s celebrations will run under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”
“This is not just about planting trees, but about building a legacy of nourishment, resilience, and responsibility for generations to come,” said Mr. Mugambi.
The PS explained that the 2025 celebrations will adopt a dual model. The national event will be hosted in Trans Nzoia County, while over 9,127 sub-locations across the country will stage decentralized events led by Assistant Chiefs, with support from Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Governors, alumni, and local communities.
“Our national target is to grow 71.14 million fruit tree seedlings in 35,570 schools. Each school will plant at least 2,000 seedlings, and where land is limited, learners will take seedlings home. Every child will have a chance to contribute to Kenya’s green future,” he explained.
He noted that fruit trees were deliberately chosen for their multiple benefits, from providing nutrition and shade to generating income and supporting industries. “This drive will enhance food security, create jobs for youth and women, and provide raw materials for industries while making our schools greener and healthier places to learn,” he said.
The campaign is anchored on the rallying slogan #TurudiPrimoTukadonateFruitTreesNaTukacleanEnvironment, calling on Kenyans to return to their primary schools, donate seedlings, and take part in environmental clean-ups.
Preparations will begin on October 3rd with the Chiefs’ Climate Action Day, leading up to the main event. Other activities will include market clean-ups, waste segregation awareness, and environmental sports competitions to engage athletes as climate champions.
“These activities weave intergenerational responsibility and national solidarity. By returning to our schools, we reconnect with our roots while investing in a greener tomorrow,” said Mr. Mugambi.
Mazingira Day will also spotlight reforms in waste management, including the rollout of newly gazetted color-coded bins to promote recycling. The initiative will enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, foster innovation in the circular economy, and create green jobs.
“The initiative will position Kenya as a regional hub for green manufacturing, eco-design, and sustainable packaging, in line with the Government’s BETA Agenda,” he added.
The PS appealed to the media to amplify citizen-led environmental action. “Through your coverage, we can inspire alumni to take part, showcase grassroots action, and sustain national momentum long after the day itself,” he emphasized.
As the country prepares for the second official Mazingira Day holiday, Mr. Mugambi urged citizens to embrace the initiative. “On October 10, let us all return to our schools, donate and plant fruit trees, clean our environment, and together build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Kenya,” he concluded.
