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On the second day of vetting Cabinet Secretaries in the National Assembly, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Andrew Karanja addressed rumors about his relationship with former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi. During the session, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah asked Karanja to clarify if he had ever served as Linturi’s personal assistant.
Karanja firmly denied the allegations. “This one caught me by surprise. For the record, Mr. Speaker sir and honorable members, I have never met the former minister for Agriculture, and I have never been a PA,” he stated.
Karanja emphasized that his extensive experience in various roles within the Ministry of Agriculture led to his nomination. He told the National Assembly Committee on Appointment, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, that he began his career as an extension officer in Baringo and has held several positions within the ministry since then.
In 2016, Karanja was appointed to the coffee sector taskforce, which was responsible for reviewing the entire coffee value chain. The taskforce identified areas needing intervention, such as production, processing, and marketing of coffee. Karanja highlighted his deep understanding of the coffee sector, stating, “I have worked in the coffee sector for long, and I know what the farmers need in terms of the policy to be implemented so that farmers can enjoy what they need to enjoy.”
President William Ruto had tasked Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with overseeing reforms aimed at eliminating cartels across the crop value chain.
Mr. Karanja say his experience and commitment to improving the agriculture sector were evident during his vetting, reinforcing his suitability for the position.