• In April 2024, President William Ruto signed into law the statute that redesignated Utamaduni Day as Mazingira Day, establishing it as a national holiday to be observed every October 10.

As the country gears towards the Mazingira Day celebrations scheduled for October 10, 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Aden Duale, is urging Kenyans to engage actively in environmental conservation initiatives.

“Join us on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Nairobi Arboretum for the Mazingira Day 2024 national celebration. This day seeks to complement government efforts toward environmental protection and conservation, offering an opportunity for all Kenyans to participate in activities that promote environmental well-being,” the Ministry of Environment announced on X.

In a notice seen by County Climate News, CS Duale says that Kenyans can contribute by participating in cleanup activities aimed at removing waste from homes, roads, parks, beaches, and other areas in need of attention.

Additionally, the CS highlights the importance of tree planting as part of the celebrations. This initiative aligns with the government’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, which is crucial for landscape and ecosystem restoration and for mitigating the effects of climate change. Tree planting can take place in homes, schools, and any available spaces.

Moreover, citizens are encouraged to celebrate Mazingira Day by organizing or attending forums that focus on pollution control and effective waste management practices. These activities promote the circular economy model, emphasizing the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling at both household and commercial levels.

“Mazingira Day presents a vital opportunity to accelerate environmental protection and raise awareness about the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It calls for urgent and meaningful actions from both the government and citizens to ensure prosperity and sustainability for current and future generations,” CS Aden Duale stated.

In April 2024, President William Ruto signed into law the statute that redesignated Utamaduni Day as Mazingira Day, establishing it as a national holiday to be observed every October 10.