Following a decision made during the Cabinet meeting in Mombasa on Friday, November 3, 2023, the Government has proclaimed a special public holiday on Monday, November 13, 2023.

The public holiday is dedicated to a nationwide effort aimed at combatting the profound impacts of Climate Change by engaging citizens in an extensive tree-planting initiative.

In a formal announcement issued via a gazette notice, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki, invoked the authority vested in section 3 of the Public Holidays Act to declare November 13th, 2023 as a national holiday.

"In Exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Monday, 13th November, 2023, a public holiday in which the public shall be engaged in tree growing countrywide," the gazette notice read.

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"This day is designated for the public to actively participate in tree-planting activities across the country."

Kindiki emphasized the significance of this endeavour within the framework of Kenya's Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme, a grand initiative with the ambitious goal of planting a staggering fifteen billion trees.

The ceremonial focal point for this large-scale tree-planting effort will be a National venue presided over by President William Ruto.

Additionally, each of the forty-seven counties will have its own venue presided over by Cabinet Secretaries and Governors.

The participation of all Kenyan citizens and the general public is encouraged at these locations, where tree planting will be the order of the day.

Kindiki underscored the importance of this patriotic contribution, stating, "The exercise is part of Kenya's Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme-Towards the Growing of Fifteen (15) billion trees."

However, it was explicitly indicated that the national examinations scheduled for November 13, 2023 will proceed as planned without any disruption.


This unique initiative underscores Kenya's commitment to environmental stewardship and reinforces the nation's determination to combat the dire consequences of climate change.

By involving the entire population in this tree-planting endeavour, the government hopes to make a significant and positive impact on the country's ecosystem and contribute to the global fight against climate change.