Cabinet Secretary nominee for Agriculture Dr Andrew Muhia Karanja has promised to be ruthless in the fight against corruption cartels at Kilimo House.
Appearing Friday morning before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, Dr. Karanja told the lawmakers that if approved by the house he will put effort into ensuring cartels are routed out so that farmers can access good quality inputs, unlike last season when they were reportedly supplied with fake fertilizer.
“I know dealing with cartels is a big issue, but if I’m approved by this committee, I’m giving notice to cartels. They will be out of business. One of the principles I hold very dear is integrity. I will deal with them” he told the vetting panel.
The Agriculture CS nominee vowed to put in place governance structures that will monitor how fertilisers are procured and distributed through government agencies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards to ensure the highest standards are met.
“I will make sure there’s openness and integrity maintained in the procurement of inputs,” he said.
Dr. Karanja has also dismissed claims that he previously served as the personal assistant to the fired CS Mithika Linturi.
National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah had asked Dr. Karanja to explain the alleged connection between him and Linturi.
