By Timothy Nzai | March 3, 2026
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Barasa has led the signing of cascaded Ministerial Performance Contracts and presided over the Mid-Year Performance Review for the 2025/26 Financial Year at the Ministry’s headquarters in Nairobi.
The exercise focused on reviewing progress, strengthening accountability and aligning departmental work plans with national development priorities.
During the ceremony, Dr. Barasa signed the performance contract with Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Festus K. Ng’eno, alongside chairpersons of the Ministry’s state agencies. Also present was Ahmed Abdisalam, Principal Secretary for the State Department for National Coordination.
Dr. Barasa commended staff through their Heads of Departments for posting strong results during the mid-year review period, earning recognition for performance. She urged departments to align their programmes with key national frameworks including the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063, as well as the Ministry’s Strategic Plan.
Calling for a “whole-of-government, whole-of-society” approach, the CS emphasized the importance of environmental conservation. She revealed that 170 forest stations have so far produced 269 million tree seedlings and encouraged Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing rainy season to plant more trees.
However, she noted that the country is yet to reach half of its restoration targets, underscoring the need for stronger partnerships with development partners, civil society and the public. Monitoring and evaluation, she added, remain critical pillars for effective service delivery.
On his part, Dr. Ng’eno stressed the importance of balancing the Ministry’s core mandates with support services to improve efficiency. He outlined key priorities including promotion of the circular economy, strengthening climate adaptation and mitigation, expansion of agroforestry, resource mobilization and building strategic partnerships.
Citing limited government funding, the PS called on the Ministry and its state agencies to intensify resource mobilization efforts.
PS Ahmed Abdisalam acknowledged the Ministry’s progress but emphasized the need to enhance budget absorption, clear pending bills and address public complaints promptly.
Performance contracts were also signed by chairpersons of key agencies, including the National Environment Management Authority, National Environment Complaints Committee, National Environment Trust Fund, and the National Environment Tribunal, in the presence of Heads of Departments led by Secretary Administration Mr. Mwongo Chimwaga.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and accelerated environmental action in line with national and continental development goals.
