Duale lists track record, service delivery as key qualifications for Environment docket

Aden Duale, the nominee for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, asserted that his academic qualifications and extensive experience in public service demonstrate his suitability for the role.

Speaking during his vetting session at County Hall, Parliament Buildings, on Friday, Duale said he was ready and up to the task to lead the Environment docket if approved by the National Assembly.

"My academic qualifications, my experience as a Member of Parliament and as a leader in this country, the stint I had in the Ministry of Defence, my age, and my role in the private sector and business give me the required testimonial," he said.

The former Defence Cabinet Secretary also highlighted his clean record, asserting that he has never been involved in any criminal activities or violated the constitution.

"I have never been indicted in any report of Parliament. I have always had clearance from the criminal justice system, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC),  and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), I have never violated Chapter Six of the Constitution and Article 75 of the Constitution and I think I'm ready and willing to serve the people of Kenya," Duale added.

Duale, who was born on June 15, 1969, was the second nominee to appear for vetting on Friday, after Agriculture's Andrew Karanja.

The CS nominee is well-known for being one of the most outspoken legislators, both within and outside parliament buildings.

Environment CS nominee Aden Duale during his vetting before the National Assembly Committee on Appointment on Friday, August 2, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

In 1981, he graduated from Garrisa Primary School with a Certificate of Primary Education.

Later, the nominee enrolled at Garrisa High School and Moi Forces Academy, where he completed his KCSE in 1985 and his Kenya Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (KACSE) in 1987.

He studied education at Moi University before going to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology for his master's degree in business administration (MBA).

Duale was originally elected under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in 2007, where he represented the Garissa township constituency, formerly Dujis Constituency, in Kenya's National Assembly.

He, however, left the party in 2009 to form the United Republican Party alongside President William Ruto.

Duale was the Jubilee Party's Majority Leader of the National Assembly in the 11th Parliament from 2013 to 2017 and the 12th Parliament from 2017 to 2020, when he was expelled for perceived disloyalty to Jubilee Party leader former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The nominee also served as Assistant Minister in Kibaki's Ministry of Livestock Development. He has also served on different house committees in both the 11th and 12th parliament.

Duale has sponsored various bills in parliament, including; The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Bill, 2014, The Public Service (Values and Principles) Bill, 2014, The Persons Deprived of Liberty Bill, 2014, The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Statute Law Miscellaneous Bill, 2014, The Transfer of Prisoners Bill, 2014, The Fisheries Management and Development Bill, 2014, The Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Insolvency Bill, 2014 and The Mining Bill, 2014.

Under the Kenya Kwanza government, Duale served as the CS for Defence for the past 22 months.

If approved by the MPs, Duale will succeed Tuya as the CS for Environment.