How I amassed Ksh.214 million wealth - Agriculture CS nominee Andrew Karanja

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja has revealed that his net worth stands at Ksh.214 million, comprising of various investments and property assets.

Appearing before the Committee on Appointments for vetting on Friday, the CS nominee explained that he amassed the wealth from family residences, vehicles, plots of land and bank deposits.

He made the revelation in line with the Public Office Ethics Act, 2003 that requires all public officers to make financial declarations of income, assets and liabilities.

"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 questioned whether the CS nominee would resist the billions from cartels at Kilimo House if he's approved to hold office.

"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.

"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.

He confirmed that he would deal firmly with the cartels, promising that they would be out of business if he assumes office. 

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.

 On the fertiliser scandal that rocked former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi's tenure, Dr. Karanja promised to develop a governance structure on the way the fertiliser is procured and distributed.

This would be through a multiagency team to ensure the quality distributed to farmers is not compromised.

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