The first Mazingira Day was held on Thursday on 10th October 2024, at Nairobi Arboretum. The national celebrations were led, by then Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, accompanied by Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, environmental organisations, Nairobians and school groups.

Mazingira Day provides an opportunity for all Kenyans to participate in environment conservation activities to ensure Kenyans enjoy a clean and healthy environment. It also offers a crucial opportunity to accelerate environmental protection and raise awareness on addressing climate change crises, conserving biodiversity and tackling pollution.

Speaking at the Nairobi Arboretum CS Duale, emphasised on the government commitment to ensuring every Kenyan lived in a cleaner and combating environmental degradation.

He announced plans to engage over 20,000 young people in an extensive clean-up of Nairobi River (including the section passing through the arboretum) over the next 18 months, to restore the river to its former glory.

The day was established after the Public Holidays Act was amended on, on 24th April 2024, to convert Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day, to be observed as a national holiday on 10th of October every year.” The day seeks to complement government efforts towards environmental protection and conservation.