Cabinet Shake-Up: Duale takes over Health Ministry as Barasa moves to Environment

Aden Duale has been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary for Health, marking yet another shift in his government roles.

This comes months after he was moved to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.

In a corresponding change announced on Wednesday, Deborah Barasa will now take over the Environment docket from Duale.

“His Excellency the President has additionally effected portfolio reassignments within the ranks of the serving members of the Cabinet. Accordingly, and in accordance with Article 152(5)(a) of the Constitution, the following Cabinet Secretaries have been reassigned: Aden Bare Duale, Health Ministry, and Deborah Mulongo Barasa to the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry,” read a statement from Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

Barasa had been serving as the Health CS since September last year after going through nomination, vetting, and approval by the National Assembly.

However, her tenure was met with growing pressure as the Ministry of Health faced increased scrutiny over the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

CS Duale has held multiple positions in the Cabinet over a short period.

Before his appointment to the Environment Ministry, he served as the Defence CS from October 31, 2022.

However, on July 11, 2024, he was dismissed from the Cabinet, only to be reinstated on July 19, 2024, in charge of the Environment docket. With this latest change, he now moves to the Health Ministry.

Duale is a seasoned politician with a long history in government.

He previously represented Garissa Township Constituency in the National Assembly and was the Majority Leader in the 11th and 12th Parliaments under the Jubilee Party.