Cabinet Secretary nominee for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Andrew Mwihia Karanja has revealed his net worth.
Speaking when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments on Friday, August 2, 2024, for vetting, Karanja said that he is worth Ksh214 million.
Karanja’s wealth breakdown
The CS nominee stated that his wealth comprises of his family homes, vehicles, plots, lands, and apartments. He pointed out that he also has money deposits in bank accounts.
“My net worth is Ksh214 million, made up of my family residences; we have apartments; I have vehicles; we have plots and land; and I have deposits in bank accounts,” Karanja said.
Karanja on cartel temptations
Kathiani Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Mbui during Karanja’s vetting asked him how he will deal with the temptation from cartels who may want to make him grow into a billionaire, based on his current net worth.
“I have seen that you are worth Ksh214 million. You are going into this sector. All those cartels are there, and they are willing to make you a billionaire within the next three years. Are you going to be able to resist?” Mbui posed.
Karanja, in his response, said that issues to do with accountability and being able to stand for what is public good will be non-negotiable, and that he will pray to God that he does not vacate the principle.
“One of the issues I am saying that are non-negotiable is issues to do with accountability and being able to stand for what is public good, and I think that to me will be uncompromised. I will pray to God that I will not vacate that principle,” Karanja said.
Karanja on fighting cartels
Karanja during his vetting promised to fight the cartels in the field of agriculture.
He said that the cartels would be out of business should he get approved by the National Assembly and assume office.
Karanja noted that he holds the principle of integrity very dearly and that he has farmers’ interests at heart as a matter of priority.
“I know dealing with cartels is a big issue, and there are many formats and forms. But if I am approved by this house and this committee, I am saying I am giving a notice on cartels.
“Notice that they will be out of business in the fact that one of the principles I hold very dearly is integrity. Another principle I hold very dear is having farmers’ interests first,” Karanja stated.
