In a historic move, Kenya has established a National Tree Growing Day, designating it as a new annual public holiday. The announcement, made through a Gazette Notice issued by Mr. Kithure Kindiki, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, on November 6, 2023, sets November 13 as the official day for this celebration, aimed at planting 15 billion trees across the nation.

This initiative is a vital part of Kenya's Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme, which aims to achieve the ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees. The event will feature a designated national venue for the tree planting ceremony, to be presided over by His Excellency President William Ruto, and forty-seven county venues, where Cabinet Secretaries and Governors will lead the planting efforts. All Kenyan citizens and the general public are encouraged to participate in this endeavor.

The Kenya Kwanza government has set its sights on achieving the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032, a crucial step toward forest restoration and mitigating the effects of climate change. President Ruto has previously entrusted the Kenya Forestry Research Institute with the task of establishing 18 tree seedling stations nationwide to support the government's ambitious tree planting goals.

Recognizing the urgent need to address the growing climate crisis, President Ruto emphasized the importance of a collective effort, involving various government departments, including the Kenya Defense Forces, Prisons, Police, National Youth Service, and Kenya Wildlife Services, among others, in this ambitious tree planting program.

In line with the government's vision and President Ruto's call for every Kenyan to plant 100 trees, either on their private land or any available space, First Lady Rachel Ruto has taken a proactive step by adopting 494 acres of Kakamega forest for reforestation and environmental protection.

"Embracing the 2023 International Day of Forests, celebrated under the theme 'Forests and Health,' we are reminded of the undeniable connection between nature and well-being. As part of the Office of the First Lady's commitment to planting 500 million trees by 2032, I have adopted 200 hectares of Kakamega forest for restoration," Mrs. Ruto expressed her dedication to the cause earlier this year. This initiative signifies the nation's commitment to environmental sustainability and health for all its citizens.