In a proactive move to prepare for National Tree Planting Day, scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2023, the government has announced the establishment of seedling collection points to facilitate public participation in the initiative.

Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, made the announcement in a statement released on November 10, 2023, encouraging all Kenyan citizens to engage in the tree-planting exercise.

Omollo stated, "In light of the official declaration of National Tree Growing Day, set for November 13, 2023, we call upon all Kenyans to actively take part in this undertaking, led by His Excellency President William Ruto."

At the county level, the responsibility for tree-growing activities will be assumed by Cabinet Secretaries in a minimum of two counties. These events will be hosted by respective governors and supported by Permanent Secretaries, county commissioners, and other high-ranking government officials.

"National Government Administrative Officers will collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to coordinate this endeavor, which is an integral component of the Kenya Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme aimed at nurturing 15 billion trees," added the Principal Secretary.

County Commissioners have already convened technical planting teams within their regions, comprising representatives from the Kenya Forest Service, the National Environment Management Authority, and other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

Additionally, Kenyan citizens can obtain tree seedlings from several designated locations, including the nurseries of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Forest Services (KFS) throughout the country, and the nurseries of various government ministries, departments, and agencies.

Environment Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya, emphasized that there are millions of seedlings available in private nurseries run by women and youth groups in Community Forest Associations and Community-Based Organizations across the nation, obtainable for a nominal fee.

Tuya encouraged Kenyan citizens to dedicate time on Monday, the declared "special holiday," to participate in the nationwide tree-planting exercise, which is integral to the country's land restoration efforts. This collective effort aims to foster a greener, more sustainable future for Kenya.