Kenya celebrates its second official Mazingira Day, confirming a notable change in the national calendar that marks a renewed focus on environmental conservation.

This public holiday, formerly known as Utamaduni Day (Culture Day), was renamed when President William Ruto signed the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, which transformed a day dedicated to cultural heritage into one of environmental awareness.

The history of this holiday is as complex as its name change. It was originally called Moi Day, in honour of former President Daniel Arap Moi, who ruled from 1978 to 2002. Moi intended the day to be one of compassion and volunteerism, emphasising service to others.

However, with the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, Moi Day was removed from the list of national holidays. For nearly a decade, the day disappeared from public consciousness, leaving many to wonder about its future.

In 2017, a High Court ruling reinstated the holiday, renaming it Huduma Day. The measure was short-lived, as former Cabinet Secretary for the Interior Fred Matiang'i then renamed it Utamaduni Day in 2020. The holiday was intended to celebrate Kenya's cultural heritage, but the constant changes left Kenyans confused about the true purpose of the day.

The renaming of Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day last year was seen as a bold move by the government to address the country's pressing environmental issues. Recently, in an interview with France 24, President William Ruto, for example, totally disagreed with Donald Trump's assertions that ‘climate change is the biggest hoax of the millennium’.

Mazingira Day was designed to promote environmental awareness and encourage tree planting activities. The government's ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 is at the heart of this initiative. Tree planting activities are expected to take place across the country, with the aim of restoring Kenya's declining forest cover and combating the effects of climate change.

The government's intention is for Environment Day to be a day of practical action rather than grand celebrations. President Ruto has repeatedly stressed the need for Kenyans to focus on the triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. He has urged both the government and citizens to work together on projects that protect the environment for future generations.

Environmental conservation has long been a topic of discussion, but Mazingira Day marks a shift in Kenya's approach to this issue. The holiday is intended to promote a culture of environmental stewardship, encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to take responsibility for protecting the planet.

This new direction is in line with global trends, which see environmental issues increasingly at the forefront of government agendas. Kenya's leadership on this front could also boost its international reputation, positioning the country as a regional leader in climate action.

Although this is only the second official Mazingira Day, the hope is that it will develop into a powerful movement. By focusing on environmental education and action, the government aims to inspire Kenyans to take small but impactful steps towards a more sustainable future.