Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on Kenyans to stay true to the cause of Mazingira Day to be marked on Thursday by engaging in activities that promote a clean environment.
In a statement on Wednesday, Duale said Mazingira Day is a crucial opportunity to accelerate environmental protection and raise awareness of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The Day previously known as Moi Day was renamed Utamaduni Day then again changed to Mazingira Day after President William Ruto assented to the Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2024 on April 24.
“This seeks to complement government efforts towards environmental protection and conservation,” a dispatch from State House said.
In a statement on Wednesday, Duale said Mazingira Day is a crucial opportunity to accelerate environmental protection and raise awareness of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
He said the day also supports the goal to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded land by planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
“To celebrate Mazingira Day, all Kenyans are therefore encouraged to participate in environmental conservation initiatives which include clean-up activities to rid the environment of unwanted waste from homes, roads, parks, beaches and any other areas that require clean up,” Duale said.
He said the planting of trees to supplement the 15 billion tree initiative can be done in homes, schools and other available spaces.
The CS also encouraged Kenyans to mark the day by organising, attending forums or getting involved in activities that highlight pollution control and good waste management practices reducing, reusing and recycling products at household and commercial levels.
Duale will lead the country in marking Mazingira Day at the Nairobi Arboretum starting from 7am.
He will be accompanied by Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi and several senior government officials.