The government is targeting 200,000 Kenyans to plant six million trees within one hour as part of activities marking Mazingira Day on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The initiative, known as the Green Challenge, is among the environmental conservation measures reviewed by Cabinet as Kenya intensifies efforts to restore degraded landscapes, expand tree cover and strengthen resilience to climate change.
According to a Cabinet dispatch dated Friday, October 9, the exercise will form part of Mazingira Week, running from October 5 to 10, and contribute to the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
"On environmental conservation, the Cabinet reviewed preparations for Mazingira Day, the public holiday marked on 10th October, reaffirming a whole-of-government approach to tree growing, ecosystem restoration, and climate action. Activities during Mazingira Week, running from 5th to 10th October, include the Green Challenge, which aims to mobilise 200,000 Kenyans to plant six million trees within one hour, contributing to the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032," the dispatch read in part.
The campaign comes as the government seeks to expand public participation in environmental conservation through tree growing, ecosystem restoration and climate action.
Mazingira Day is an annual public holiday dedicated to environmental conservation, including tree planting and growing. The day falls on October 10 and was formally established under that name in April 2024, when President William Ruto signed amendments to the law renaming Utamaduni Day as Mazingira Day.
The holiday was previously known as Moi Day, in honour of former President Daniel arap Moi, before being renamed Huduma Day and later Utamaduni Day.
Government Targets 462,299 Hectares for Restoration
Beyond the one-hour tree-planting exercise, Cabinet considered plans to restore 462,299 hectares of degraded landscapes under Phase III of the Green Zones Development Support Project.
The initiative is intended to complement the national tree-growing programme by supporting the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems.
The Cabinet dispatch did not specify the locations targeted for restoration or provide a timeline for completing the planned rehabilitation.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating environmental conservation across departments and agencies, bringing together tree growing, ecosystem restoration and climate action.
More Funding for Climate Projects in 47 Counties
Cabinet also approved additional financing for the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Programme, which supports community-led investments to help counties respond to climate-related challenges.
The programme targets all 47 counties, with interventions intended to strengthen communities' ability to withstand droughts, floods and other climate-related shocks.
The additional financing is expected to support locally driven climate initiatives, although the dispatch did not disclose the amount approved or identify the specific projects set to benefit.
Droughts can disrupt farming and water supplies, while floods can damage homes, infrastructure and livelihoods, making local preparedness an important part of climate adaptation.
Government Moves to Protect Mangroves
The Cabinet meeting also considered measures to strengthen mangrove conservation and restoration, recognising the role of coastal ecosystems in protecting shorelines, supporting fisheries and sustaining livelihoods.
"The Government also considered measures to strengthen mangrove conservation and restoration, recognising the importance of coastal ecosystems in protecting shorelines, supporting fisheries, and sustaining livelihoods," added the dispatch.
Mangroves provide important habitats for marine life and help protect coastal areas against erosion. Their conservation also supports communities that depend on fisheries and other coastal resources.
However, the dispatch did not identify the specific locations targeted for restoration or the resources allocated to the proposed measures.
Mazingira Week Activities
The October 5–10 campaign is intended to mobilise Kenyans around environmental stewardship, with the Green Challenge forming one of its headline activities.
The six-million-tree target for the one-hour exercise will contribute to the government's broader ambition of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
The Cabinet's latest plans also extend beyond tree planting to include landscape rehabilitation, climate financing and mangrove protection.
The dispatch did not provide a detailed breakdown of the Green Challenge's participating locations or the monitoring arrangements for determining how many trees survive after planting.
