The department is one of those with the greatest potential to uplift the county. Although Vihiga covers fewer square kilometers, it lies on many readily available resources that are to be utilized. The department in tends to create wealth and employment through its vision: to have a clean and health environment for job and wealth creation. One of the long term plans for the ministry is to reduce over dependence on agriculture and land for subsistence living through sustainable use of the environment and natural resources On matters of forestry, the county has initiated an ambitious plan of the planting of 300,000 trees in public primary schools and the planting of 8,000 indigenous seedlings at Emabungo Hills. It has further held a major clean-up of Mbale and Chavakali markets and the preparation of County Environment Action Plan.
Mrs. Anne Desma Chilande
County Executive Committee Member
Dr. Arnold Kimiya Mamadi
Chief Office, Water
Dr. Richard Boiyo
Chief Office, Environment
Vision
To be the leading department in the county and beyond service provision
Mission
Working together to satisfy Vihiga County residents’ water, sanitation, environment and forest needs.
Sub Departments and their mandate
1. Water
The mandate of the sub department is to explore, plan, develop, control and manage water and sewerage systems in the county so as to meet MDGs & vision 2030 and ensure adherence to the constitution of Kenya
2. Environment
The sub department is mandated to ensure control and management of solid wastes, control of sound, air and water sources pollutions, rehabilitation and control of riparian land and water sources, control of natural resources exploitation (sand, rocks etc) and ensure development projects adherence to all statutory laws.
3. Forest
The mandate of the sub departments is control, converse and rehabilitate natural forests, community forests and to ensure 10% forest coverage through private and public participation.
