Ruto Signs Into Law Act Recognising Mazingira Day as Public Holiday

President William Ruto has assented into law an Act recognising Mazingira Day as a Public Holiday.

According to the Act, Mazingira Day will be observed as a national holiday on October 10 every year substituting other names which were used to mark that day as a public holiday.

While reading the context of the introduction of Mazingira Day, the Clerk of the National Assembly noted that it would replace Utamaduni Day.

The Clerk of the National Assembly added that Mazingira Day aligns with President Ruto's plan to conserve the environment through the planting of trees.

"The other Act which is being amended is the Public Holiday Act. Remember Moi Day which transited into Huduma Day then after Utamaduni Day," he stated.

"The proposal now which is contained in this Act is to call that day, Mazingira Day. The National Assembly was informed that Mazingira Day encompasses aspects of Huduma, our traditions which were in Utamaduni and now it is in accord with the government's idea of climate change mitigation," he added.

The Mazingira Day shall therefore be a day for all Kenyans to participate in environment conservation activities including tree planting in line with the government’s efforts towards accelerating forest restoration and ensuring that 15 Billion trees are planted by 2032 in seeking to address the effects of climate change.

On November 13, 2023, the government through the Interior Ministry declared the day a national holiday. In a gazette notice, Kindiki directed Kenyans to utilise the day in planting trees.

The holiday sparked discussions with some lawmakers arguing that it should permanently remain a public holiday. 

However, in the latest Act, the issue seems to have been solved by officially recognising the Mazingira Day.