Cabinet reshuffle: Duale appointed Health CS as Barasa takes Environment role
The changes are contained in the latest announcement signed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
Aden Duale has been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary for Health, just months after he was assigned to the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry ministry.
In a corresponding change made on Wednesday, Deborah Barasa will now take over the Environment docket from him.
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“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 occupied the Health docket last September after being nominated, vetted and approved by the National Assembly.
She has come under pressure as the Ministry of Health keeps facing growing scrutiny over the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The controversy surrounding SHA and SHIF has been escalating as health facilities continue turning away patients, citing non-payment by the government.
The crisis has deepened public mistrust.
Duale’s shifting Cabinet roles
Before he was appointed Environment CS, Duale served as the Defence Cabinet Secretary, a position he assumed on October 31, 2022.
However, on July 11, 2024, he was dismissed from the Cabinet, only to be reinstated a week later on July 19, 2024 in a different capacity as the CS for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
With this latest reshuffle, he now moves to head the Health Ministry, replacing the previous officeholder.
Duale’s political journey
Duale has had a long career in politics, previously serving as the Member of the Garissa Township MP. He was the National Assembly Majority Leader under the Jubilee Party in the 11th Parliament (2013-2017) and retained the position in the 12th Parliament (2017-2020).
His political career began in 2007 when he was elected under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). However, in 2009, he left ODM and joined forces with Ruto to form the United Republican Party (URP).
Duale also represented Dujis Constituency in Parliament, winning the seat in the 2007 elections under ODM before switching parties in 2013 and securing re-election under URP.
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