Duale moved to Health ministry in new Cabinet changes
Duale was the CS for Environment.
5d agoPURITY WANGUINews
Environment CS Deborah Barasa (centre) during a
tree-planting exercise in Lelan, West Pokot County on March 27, 2025.New Cabinet Secretary for Environment Deborah Barasa has pledged to safeguard natural resources, address climate challenges, and build a resilient and sustainable future for Kenyans.
Barasa affirmed that she will remain steadfast in her commitment as she takes on the new role from the Health ministry.
“Let’s work together to ensure our environment continues to nurture prosperity for generations to come,” she said on X.
“I call on all Kenyans to be part of this movement. Let’s move from planting trees to growing them. Let’s nurture nature, because the future depends on the steps we take today.”
Barasa extended gratitude to President William Ruto for giving her the opportunity to lead the new ministry.
“My rewarding tenure in the Ministry of Health reinforced that our nation’s strength begins with the well-being of its people,” Barasa said.
President William Ruto on Wednesday reassigned the Health CS to the Environment docket in a mini Cabinet reshuffle, swapping positions with her predecessor Aden Duale.
Barasa officially assumed office in her new docket on Thursday by leading a tree planting drive in Lelan, West Pokot county.
She pledged to champion government’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, describing the initiative as "a bold declaration of hope".
The CS also emphasised the importance of tree planting in addressing climate change.
“Tree planting not only helps in the restoration of degraded lands but also in securing a sustainable future for generations to come,” she said.
Barasa also urged Kenyans to take a keen interest in not only tree planting but in nurturing the seedlings to maturity.
“Let us not only plant trees but take good care of them, long-term care is key to environmental conservation,” she said.
While acknowledging West Pokot's challenges, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, the CS called on households, schools and farmers to take an active role in tree-growing efforts.
Barasa further commended local environmental champions for their contributions and pledged government support for grassroots conservation initiatives.
