The Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary nominee, Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja, has refuted allegations of having previously served as the personal assistant to former CS Mithika Linturi.

These claims surfaced on social media following President William Ruto's nomination of Dr. Karanja for the ministerial position formerly held by Linturi on July 19, 2024.

PHOTO | COURTESY  Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja denies working for Linturi


During a vetting session before Parliament's Committee on Appointments, National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah queried Dr. Karanja about his alleged association with Linturi. Dr. Karanja expressed astonishment at the allegations, clarifying that he has never met or worked with the former minister in any capacity.

"I have never been a personal assistant to the former CS, nor have I interacted with him," Dr. Karanja firmly stated.

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Dr. Karanja was born 62 years ago in Gatundu North, Kiambu County. He completed his primary education locally before attending Uthiru and Githiga high schools. 1984, he joined the University of Nairobi, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture in 1987.

PHOTO | COURTESY  Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja 

He then pursued a Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics, graduating in 1991, and later obtained a PhD in Development Economics from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Dr. Karanja's career began in 1987 as an Extension Officer in Baringo. After his Master's, he worked briefly as a Planning Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and as a Lecturer at Embu Institute of Agriculture. He then served at the Coffee Research Foundation in Ruiru for 11 years, advancing to Agricultural Economist and Head of Department.

Dr. Karanja joined the World Bank in Nairobi as a Senior Agricultural Economist and Task Team Leader. He oversaw projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda and was key in supporting government initiatives, including establishing the Agriculture and Food Authority.

In 2014, he transitioned to consultancy and was appointed to the Coffee Task Force by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016.