President William Ruto of Kenya has declared Friday a public holiday to honor the memory of the 238 people who lost their lives in the ongoing flooding crisis gripping the country. 

The devastating floods, which have ravaged Kenya and other parts of East Africa, have left more than 235,000 people displaced and living in makeshift camps.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, President Ruto announced that the day would be dedicated to national tree planting activities aimed at addressing the underlying causes of climate change and mitigating the impact of future natural disasters. 

Recognizing the urgent need for environmental conservation, the president emphasized the importance of collective action to safeguard Kenya’s ecosystems and build resilience against climate-related challenges.

The decision to declare a public holiday underscores the severity of the flooding crisis and the government’s commitment to honoring the victims while mobilizing efforts to address the underlying factors contributing to the disaster.

In addition to the public holiday announcement, President Ruto also confirmed the reopening of schools nationwide, following a two-week delay caused by heavy rains that wreaked havoc on hundreds of educational institutions. 

The government had previously reported that over 1,000 schools were affected by the adverse weather conditions, necessitating significant renovations to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Efforts to restore normalcy to affected communities and educational institutions are underway, with the government allocating funds for school repairs and infrastructure rehabilitation.