Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja has disclosed that his net worth totals Ksh. 214 million, which includes a diverse portfolio of investments and property assets.

During his appearance before the Committee on Appointments for Vetting on Friday, the CS nominee detailed how he accumulated his wealth through family residences, vehicles, land plots, and bank deposits.

He disclosed this information in accordance with the Public Office Ethics Act, 2003, which mandates that all public officers must declare their income, assets, and liabilities. Additionally, he provided details on his various investments and property assets.

“My net worth is Ksh. 214 million, made up of my family residences, apartments, vehicles, plots of land, and deposits in bank accounts,” he said.

During the session, the MPs inquired if the CS nominee would be able to withstand temptations from cartels offering billions at Kilimo House, should he be approved for the position.

“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?” Kathiani MP Robert Mbui posed.

Dr. Karanja responded by underscoring his commitment to accountability and integrity. Furthermore, he promised to remain steadfast in upholding the principle of public good.

“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 responded.

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Dr. Karanja Promises to Stop Cartels

The CS nominee confirmed that he would deal firmly with the cartels, promising that they would be out of business if he assumed office. Additionally, he highlighted his dedication to maintaining integrity and transparency in his position.

“I know dealing with cartels is a big issue, and there are many formats and very many forms, but if I’m approved by this House and this committee, I’m saying I’m giving a notice on cartels. Notice that they will be out of business, with the fact that one of the principles which I hold very dear is integrity—not to be compromised,” he said.

Regarding the fertilizer scandal that occurred during former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi’s tenure, Dr. Karanja pledged to create a new governance structure for the procurement and distribution of fertilizer.

He promised to work hands-on to guarantee that the quality of fertilizer meets standards and to combat any corrupt practices in the sector. Moreover, this commitment is part of his broader goal to maintain transparency and integrity in the agriculture sector.

“This is a critical program and is the center of food security, and we have cartels, which led to quality concerns of fertilizer. If approved, this is one of the areas I will work in hands-on to ensure the quality is okay. Moreover, cartels thrive where there is a lack of competition and openness.” he added.