Deborah Barasa Assumes Office as Environment CS, Vows Bold Climate Action

Deborah Mlongo Barasa has officially taken over as the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, following her reassignment from the Ministry of Health. Barasa assumed office on April 1, 2025, during a handover ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Nairobi.

During the event, Barasa pledged to prioritize climate action and environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and robust policy implementation. She called on stakeholders to support the ministry’s efforts in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Barasa’s appointment to the Environment docket follows her tenure as Health CS since August 2024, where she was recognized for her work in public health and communicable disease prevention. She succeeds Aden Duale, who was moved to the Health Ministry as part of the recent cabinet reshuffle.

In her speech, Barasa acknowledged the efforts of her predecessor and expressed commitment to building on the progress made in environmental management and conservation.