The department is responsible for the implementation of national policies at the County level. This includes developing water resources and implementing policies for conservation, control, and protection of water catchment areas, managing forests and water conservation, and other environmental information. The department is also responsible for rehabilitation and protection of indigenous forests in all water towers, development and coordination of climate change policy, and promotion of initiatives for mainstreaming poverty reduction in environment programs. In addition, the department is responsible for implementing county-specific policies on energy, including electrical energy, renewable energy, geo-thermal exploration and promoting appropriate renewable energy technology within the county.

Core Mandate 

1. Developing water resources in the County Management of forests and water conservation
2. Development and coordination of the implementation of climate change policy, Act and Regulations
3. Enforce environmental regulations and standards; Promotion of compliance with the environmental laws, regulations and standards
4. Implementation of county specific policies on electrical energy, renewable energy, geothermal exploration and development
5. Increase and improve accessibility of tree seeds/seedlings in the community
6. Promotion of appropriate renewable energy technology within the county through extension, training/capacity building, public awareness campaigns and demonstration
7. Raise the tree cover to the 10% level required by the Constitution. Conserve sensitive forest ecosystems such as Gwassi Hill Forest, Lambwe, Wire, Kodera, Gembe, aesthetic value and tourism potential programmes.

Organization of the Department

The department is organized into the following directorates

1.       Director Water, Sanitation and Irrigation.

2.       Director Energy.

3.       Director Climate Change

4.       Director Environment and Forestry