Former CS Karanja faces tough questions on brief stint at Agriculture ministry

Dr Andrew Karanja, Kenya's nominee for Brasilia, Brazil ambassador position, appears for vetting before the National Assembly's Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Dr. Andrew Karanja, Kenya's nominee for Ambassador to Brazil, faced tough questions from Members of Parliament about his short tenure as Agriculture Cabinet Secretary.

Karanja, who served in the Agriculture docket for just four months after his appointment in September last year, was pressed to explain the controversies surrounding a livestock vaccination program that sparked widespread debate online.

"Your failure to communicate the government's position on vaccination might have cost you your job," observed Nelson Koech, Chair of the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee.

In response, Karanja acknowledged shortcomings in communication during his tenure, noting that clear messaging is a priority for President William Ruto's administration.

"Communication is a challenge that affects more than one state department. President Ruto has emphasized the need to improve in this area," Karanja told the committee.

"With today's many communication channels, messages can be distorted. We were surprised by some narratives about vaccination, especially on social media."

Karanja promised to improve communication if approved as Kenya's envoy to Brazil.

"I am now wiser in terms of communication. I will ensure timely and clear messaging going forward," he said.

Nomination from CS to Ambassador

When asked about being nominated as an ambassador after serving as a Cabinet Secretary, Karanja said he respected the president's decision.

"I don't question the president's decisions. He has many considerations, and it's not solely about performance. I am grateful for the opportunity and trust of the appointing authority," he stated.

Karanja outlined his plans to leverage his expertise in agriculture to strengthen Kenya-Brazil relations, particularly in agriculture, green energy, and climate change.