By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 9 October 2026 - The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders to plant trees as part of environmental conservation efforts ahead of Mazingira Day celebrations on Saturday.
KeNHA Western Region stated on Friday that it had spent a week working with the Vihiga County Government, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and other partners on Mazingira Day 2026 activities to promote environmental conservation and cleaner communities.
“Led by Regional Director Eng Annette Ingaiza, the team conducted a clean-up exercise and donated tree seedlings at Shamakhokho Market Centre ahead of the main event,” KeNHA announced.
These conservation efforts matter as Kenya works to overcome environmental challenges and create a better planet for people, animals and the entire ecosystem.
The 10 October public holiday in Kenya has evolved significantly over time, shifting from a leader-focused celebration to an environmental day.
It began as Moi Day before becoming Mazingira Day.Its history dates back to 1988, when Kenya’s second president, Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, established Moi Day.
The 1980s initiative sought to honour the president after he took power in 1978 following the death of founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
The holiday focused on service and volunteerism.
With the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, a new era began.
Moi Day was scrapped from the official list of national holidays because constitutional experts opposed personality-driven public holidays.
However, in 2017 the court reinstated the holiday. This followed a High Court ruling by Justice George Odunga in November 2017 to comply with the Employment Act.
In 2019 the holiday was rebranded Huduma Day after cabinet approval under Kenya’s fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta.
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This changed the focus to public service and community help.
In 2020 Huduma Day was rebranded Utamaduni Day to celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural diversity, heritage and ethnic communities.
In April 2024 it became Mazingira Day after President William Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, shifting the emphasis to environmental conservation and climate action.
Kenya’s national climate strategy aims to plant 15 billion trees to restore 5.1 million hectares and raise the country’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2030.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Mlongo Barasa on Friday warmly invited all Kenyans to join the government and other stakeholders for Mazingira Day 2026 celebrations.
The events are taking place nationwide, with the national celebrations hosted in Trans Nzoia County under the theme “Our Environment, Our Responsibility.”
“Let us unite as one nation to plant trees, restore our landscapes, protect our natural resources, and secure a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come. Karibuni nyote (Welcome all)!” CS Barasa stated.
She urged Kenyans to turn shared commitment into action and make every tree planted a symbol of hope for a greener Kenya.
Mazingira Day: KeNHA Joins Clean-Up Drives Ahead of Main Event
The 10 October public holiday evolved from Moi Day to focus on climate and conservation.