Cabinet Secretary nominee for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eric Muriithi has revealed that he does not own a car.
Speaking when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments for vetting on Friday, August 2, 2024, Muriithi stated that he has chosen to invest instead of buying a car.
“Do you own a car,” National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula asked.
“No, I have chosen to invest instead of buying a car to start with, “Muriithi answered.
Putting the CS nominee to the test, Wetang’ula further asked him if would accept a car gift from a major contractor in the water sector when appointed to office.
“If you are approved and appointed and you get into the office and tomorrow a major contractor in the water sector comes and offers you a car will you take it?” the speaker asked.
The 32-year-old stated that he would decline the offer.
“No,” Muriithi answered.
The youngest CS nominee also revealed that his current net worth stands at Ksh31 million.
He attributed his source of wealth to land investment and cash crop farming.
“My net worth is Ksh 31 million, I come from a region that is engaged in farming so I have invested in lands and planted crops like tea if you have been to the region, coffee, bananas, miraa,” Muriithi said.
Muriithi disclosed his intention to work with all 47 county governments to address water shortage and ensure Kenyans have access to clean water by harvesting rain.
He added that he would sensitize members of the public to help them understand and appreciate agriculture and how it can generate income.
” I will work in partnership with the Department of Planning in counties and ensure we have detention and retention pods. They are recharge areas for aquifers and hold water runoff, you realise when it rains in Nairobi our roofs direct the water to the drains,” he said.
“If approved by this house, I would start by sensitization. We need to appreciate that agriculture is not a by-the-way. It is an economic activity that generates income.”
