Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja recently revealed his net worth of Ksh. 214 million, outlining a substantial and diversified portfolio. This declaration was made during his vetting by the Committee on Appointments, in compliance with the Public Office Ethics Act, 2003, which requires public officers to declare their income, assets, and liabilities.
Dr. Karanja detailed his wealth, which comprises family residences, apartments, vehicles, plots of land, and bank deposits. “My net worth is Ksh. 214 million, made up of my family residences, apartments, vehicles, plots of land, and deposits in bank accounts,” he stated.
During the vetting session, MPs raised concerns about his ability to resist corruption, particularly from powerful cartels at Kilimo House. Kathiani MP Robert Mbui questioned, “You are worth Ksh. 214 million; you will find cartels willing to make you a billionaire within the next three years; are you going to be able to resist?”
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In response, Dr. Karanja emphasized his dedication to accountability and integrity. He assured the committee of his unwavering commitment to the public good and his reliance on divine guidance to navigate potential challenges. “One of my areas that is non-negotiable is issues to do with accountability, and it will be uncompromised. I will pray to God that I don’t move from the principle of public good, which I firmly believe in, because I need divine intervention because it’s not easy,” Dr. Karanja affirmed.
As he awaits the committee’s decision, Dr. Karanja’s stance on integrity and transparency remains a focal point of his candidacy for the position of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary.