Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revoked the appointment of five board members, leaving the agency temporarily with just one sitting member. This unexpected shift, officially announced in a Gazette Notice dated November 8, reassigns these officials to new roles across various government boards and agencies.
The five board members Rose Ombaki, Adan Omar Enow, Florence Auma Oluoch, Michael Waititu Maina, and Elisha Busieneiwere initially appointed to their KWTA roles on January 18, 2023, by the former Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya. Their positions were meant to span three years, allowing them time to advance the agency’s mandate of overseeing the protection, rehabilitation, conservation, and sustainable management of Kenya’s critical water towers. However, less than a year into their tenure, these officials have been reassigned, raising questions about the continuity of KWTA’s conservation goals and overall governance.
Duale’s Authority and the Legal Basis for Revocation
CS Duale’s revocation of the appointments was made under Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, which grants Cabinet Secretaries the authority to withdraw such appointments if deemed necessary. This act provides a legal framework within which public appointments and assignments can be adjusted in alignment with the government’s broader strategic goals. In this particular case, the Gazette Notice references earlier notices from 2023—Nos. 6295, 7515, and 7706—detailing the initial appointments of the affected board members. Duale’s decision comes amid ongoing government restructuring, a move that many see as an effort to align key agencies with President William Ruto’s administration and its vision for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
New Assignments for Former KWTA Board Members
Each of the five former board members has been reassigned to new roles within other government entities, signaling a reshuffling that goes beyond the Environment Ministry alone.
- Rose Ombaki will transition to the board of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), following an appointment by Cabinet Secretary Margaret Ndung’u of the Ministry of Information. This appointment will place Ombaki within a crucial media institution tasked with informing the public on national matters, including environmental policies.
- Adan Omar Enow has been appointed by Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos to the Council of the North Eastern National Polytechnic, a key educational institution serving Kenya’s northeastern region. His role here will support education initiatives tailored to the local community, an area that often faces unique environmental and water resource challenges.
- Florence Auma Oluoch has been named to the board of Consolidated Bank Limited by the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, a position that brings her expertise into Kenya’s financial sector. In a strategic role, Oluoch could leverage her experience in environmental governance to contribute to sustainable financial policies within the bank.
- Michael Waititu Maina joins the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority, a government agency tasked with positioning Kenya as a regional and international financial hub. His appointment extends until May 2026 and aligns with Kenya’s goal of fostering economic growth by attracting international investment.
- Elisha Busienei has been given a dual role as chairperson of the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) and will serve on its Board of Directors. SEPU, operating within the University of Nairobi’s Kenya Science Campus, is dedicated to producing and distributing educational science equipment, including laboratory apparatus. Busienei’s new assignment was made directly by President William Ruto, underscoring SEPU’s importance in Kenya’s educational infrastructure. Busienei will also serve for a three-year term, replacing Patrick Musyoka in this role.
Implications for Kenya Water Towers Agency
The sudden departure of five board members raises concerns about potential disruptions to the Kenya Water Towers Agency’s operations. Established in 2012, KWTA’s mission is critical to Kenya’s environmental sustainability, as it focuses on the protection of key water towers, which are vital sources of water for Kenya’s ecosystems and communities. The absence of a fully-staffed board could slow decision-making processes, affecting ongoing conservation projects and the implementation of new strategies.
The reassignments suggest the government may be seeking fresh perspectives within KWTA. The agency will likely undergo a period of transition as the ministry appoints new members, with an emphasis on aligning KWTA’s strategic priorities with the administration’s environmental and sustainability goals.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for KWTA?
For KWTA, the task ahead involves rapidly adapting to this change while maintaining its focus on water conservation, restoration of degraded areas, and community engagement in environmental protection efforts. With only one board member currently in place, the agency may face challenges in the short term; however, incoming appointees could bring new expertise and ideas to strengthen KWTA’s impact.
Duale’s move reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring alignment across all agencies with Kenya’s environmental, educational, and economic priorities. In the coming months, stakeholders will be keenly watching KWTA’s progress and the effectiveness of the newly appointed board members in their respective roles across other governmental bodies.
