In a groundbreaking move, the Kenyan government designated Monday as a public holiday, urging citizens to join forces in a massive tree-planting campaign aimed at reaching the ambitious target of 100 million trees nationwide. The response was nothing short of inspiring, with hundreds braving the torrential rain in Nairobi to contribute to this eco-friendly initiative. President William Ruto is leading the charge, vowing to see 15 billion trees take root by 2032.
This commitment comes in the wake of the Horn of Africa region's severest drought in four decades, underscoring the urgency of bolstering Kenya's forest cover.Despite the downpour, a diverse group of participants, including civil servants, students, and families, converged at various locations in the capital to plant trees. Joan Kirika, a government official, shared her enthusiasm, having personally planted 50 trees. "This is a powerful and necessary initiative for the planet, especially after experiencing a dramatic drought for several consecutive seasons," she expressed.
While the nation rallied together for this environmental cause, President Ruto faced criticism from environmental groups for his decision to resume logging after a five-year ban. In July, he defended the move, citing job creation and economic development as primary objectives, emphasizing that it would only involve mature trees in state-managed forests.However, a recent court decision temporarily suspended the lifting of the logging ban, allowing the felling of 5,000 hectares of mature trees.
President Ruto's stance on balancing economic growth with environmental conservation continues to spark debates. According to official statistics, Kenya's forests currently cover 8.8% of the country, contributing 1.6% to the GDP through the forestry industry. Despite the economic significance of the timber sector, concerns about deforestation persist. As Kenya grapples with unemployment and inflation, the timber industry plays a pivotal role, employing approximately 50,000 people directly and 300,000 indirectly. The delicate balance between economic development and environmental preservation remains a challenge in this East African nation. The tree-planting day, despite the controversies, serves as a poignant annual reminder for Kenyans to prioritize environmental stewardship. Whether as a public holiday or a collective effort to safeguard the planet, the hope is to instill a lasting commitment to the well-being of both the nation and the global ecosystem.