Duale Oversees Redeployment of Kenya Water Towers Agency Staff
A finalized placement list shows that 68 employees will join the Environment and Climate Change Department, while 45 will be absorbed into the Forestry Department.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change Aden Duale has assured a smooth redeployment of all affected staff following the dissolution of the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) in December 2024. Photo/Aden Duale.
Following the dissolution of the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) in December 2024, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change
and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Aden Duale has assured a smooth redeployment of all affected staff.
The agency, which was established in 2012 under Legal Notice No. 27, played a critical role in coordinating the protection and sustainable management of Kenya’s vital water towers.
The decision to dissolve KWTA was part of the Cabinet’s broader rationalization of state corporations aimed at eliminating overlapping mandates and enhancing efficiency.
With its functions absorbed into the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, 113 staff members will be redeployed across the Ministry and its agencies based on their qualifications, rank, experience, and other factors such as age, disability, and duty station.
A finalized placement list shows that 68 employees will join the Environment and Climate Change Department, while 45 will be absorbed into the Forestry Department.
Speaking during a meeting with Principal Secretaries Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno (Environment & Climate Change) and Mr. Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), CS Duale urged the transitioning staff to embrace professionalism, integrity, and good governance as they assume their new roles.
“I want to commend the Kenya Water Towers Agency for its valuable contributions over the past 12 years in coordinating the protection of Kenya’s critical water towers. As the staff transition into the Ministry and its agencies, I urge them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and work diligently to support our mission of sustainable environmental management,” Duale said.
KWTA’s dissolution marks the end of an era for the agency, which played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable conservation and protecting Kenya’s vital ecosystems, including forests, mountains, and wetlands.
However, its closure reflects a strategic move by the government to streamline operations and optimize resources.
The redeployment process has been carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to staff and ongoing projects.
Duale emphasized that the Ministry is committed to a fair and transparent transition, taking into account each employee’s competencies and contributions.
The dissolution of KWTA also aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental agenda, focusing on addressing climate change, enhancing forest cover, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
As the Ministry moves forward, the integration of KWTA’s functions is expected to strengthen Kenya’s environmental governance framework and reinforce the country’s commitment to sustainable development.
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