Kindiki gazettes May 10 as holiday after Ruto’s declaration

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has moved to gazette May 10, 2024, as a public holiday following a declaration by President William Ruto.

Ruto made the declaration on May 8, 2024, during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Laikipia North and Kajiado Central at State House. He said the day will be for honouring those who have lost their lives due to the floods.

In that regard, CS Kindiki has moved with speed to declare May 10 as a national holiday.

"Recognising that the effects of climate change pose an existential threat to national security, public safety, and the ecological sustainability of Kenya;

"In solidarity with all persons adversely affected by cyclic floods and subsequent droughts in recent times.

"Acknowledging that tree growing is the singular long-term solution to the climate crisis and its devastating effects on life and livelihoods.

"Now therefore, and in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Friday, May 10, 2024, a public holiday for purposes of countrywide tree growing activities," a statement by the Interior Ministry read.

The President said an extensive tree-planting programme will be launched to conserve and restore the environment and begin to reverse the challenges of climate change during the new holiday.

“On this day, we will plant trees and remind ourselves that the solution to climate change is taking care of our environment,” he said.

According to the president, the plan is to plant 200 million trees on May 10, and he urged each Kenyan to plant at least 50 trees.