Who is Roselinda Soipan Tuya?

Roselinda Soipan Tuya, born in 1982, is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer and politician. She is the fourth daughter among 15 siblings of the former Narok South Member of Parliament, Samson Ole Tuya. Her academic journey began at the Kenya High School, followed by a law degree from the University of Nairobi. She furthered her studies with a postgraduate diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law and earned a Master’s Degree in Sustainable International Development from the University of Washington, Seattle.

Tuya boasts over 18 years of legal experience. Her career began as a legal officer at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs from 2006 to 2008. She then transitioned to Kituo Cha Sheria, an NGO dedicated to representing the underprivileged, where she served as the acting Executive Director, Education Coordinator, and Legal Aid officer. Prior to her political career, Tuya worked at USAID as a land law and gender advisor.

In 2012, Tuya entered elective politics and won the Narok Woman Representative seat in 2013, serving in this role until 2022. She was notably the First Chairperson of the Speaker’s Panel in the 12th Parliament. In October 2022, Tuya made history as the first Maasai woman to be appointed as a Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.

During her tenure, Tuya achieved several significant milestones:

• Amendment of the Climate Change Act, 2016: Oversaw the amendment that facilitated the management of carbon markets and government advisories on carbon regulations.
• Organizing Major Climate Conferences: Played a pivotal role in organizing the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and Africa Climate Week (ACW), leading to the Nairobi African Leaders Declaration on Climate Change, known as The Nairobi Declaration.
• Facilitating International Cooperation: Secured approximately USD 26 billion for African climate projects and facilitated Kenya’s participation in various climate-related deals.
• Facilitating International Cooperation: Secured approximately USD 26 billion for African climate projects and facilitated Kenya’s participation in various climate-related deals.Disbursement of Investment Grants: Fast-tracked the approval and disbursement of Sh7.3 billion to 45 counties under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) Program.
• Establishment of Climate Change Units: Helped establish these units in all 47 counties.
• Tree Cover Initiative: Spearheaded the 15 billion tree cover initiative by 2032 and lobbied for November 13 to be declared National Tree Planting Day.
• Strategic Plan Launch: Launched the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2027, focusing on governance, conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, agro-forestry, and resource mobilization.
• Waste Management Initiatives: Planned the establishment of five pilot Material Recovery Facilities in various counties, though progress was hindered by financial constraints.

In addition to her achievements, Tuya has been honored with prestigious awards. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded her the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) on December 12, 2018. More recently, President William Ruto bestowed upon her the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2023.

On July 23, 2024, President William Ruto nominated Tuya for the position of Defence Cabinet Secretary. Her appointment will be subject to a vetting process scheduled to take place within 28 days. This nomination reflects her continued prominence in Kenyan politics and her dedication to public service.