All schools directed to plant at least 2,000 fruit trees on Mazingira Day

Ahead of Mazingira Day celebrations on Friday, October 10, the government has directed all ministries, state departments and other public institutions countrywide to plant trees.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Education said this year’s emphasis is on planting fruit trees.

The government pointed out public and private primary schools as the main venues for the exercise, with each school directed to plant a minimum of 2,000 fruit trees.

“The objective is to promote environmental conservation while enhancing school-based nutrition through the establishment/growth of fruit tree orchards in learning institutions,” Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said.

“The exercise also aims to foster strong school alumni networks by rallying former and current learners' support for initiatives that benefit their institutions.”

Regional, county and subcounty education directors were directed to communicate the directive to head teachers and encourage the active participation of the alumni, current learners and the local community in the exercise.

“Ensure that learners are in school on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in appreciation of the day being a public holiday and ensure effective coordination of the relevant activities,” Bitok said.

Mazingira Day was ratified in April last year, following a renaming of Utamaduni Day.

The public holiday seeks to have Kenyans participate in environmental conservation in line with President William Ruto's government’s efforts towards accelerating forest restoration and addressing climate change.