NAIROBI: The 24 principal secretaries approved by the National Assembly yesterday have a combined wealth of Sh1.7 billion. This is Sh1 billion less than the combined riches of the seven Cabinet secretaries.

Most of the PSs have declared their assets as the residential property where they live, land, real estate and shares. A few have invested in shares, while at least two had to declare everything including their cattle and their farms.

The richest PS is Transport's Wilson Irungu, with a total wealth of Sh374 million; the bulk of it (Sh292 million) being in real estate. He also declared that he has Sh2 million in cash.

In the last 12 months, he made Sh22 million, meaning that when he takes the Government job with a maximum pay of Sh875,000, he will see his annual pay packet drop by Sh11.5 million.

The PS with the least wealth is Land's Aidah Munano, with Sh6.2 million.

The approvals were unanimous as the lawmakers termed the nominees to be qualified to steer the government departments. The declaration of the wealth means that the public and the authorities can now audit the PSs at the end of their tenure to determine if they engaged in corruption.

Environment PS Charles Sunkuli declared he made Sh4.5 million in the last 12 months after selling 150 bulls. He said his net worth was Sh35 million.
Of all the nominees, only three have a net worth of over Sh100 million: Irungu (Sh374 million), Irrigation’s Patrick Nduati (Sh100 million) and Zeinab Hussein (Gender Affairs), who declared that she owns jointly with her husband assets worth Sh371 million.

Zeinab and her husband have property in Karen, apartments in Hurlingham and land in Mtwapa and Vipingo.

Mr Nduati has Sh100 million invested in plots in Thika, Elementaita, Runda and Donholm. The value of the Runda plot, where he lives, is Sh80 million.

Nicholas Muraguri, who is currently the Director of Medical Services, and who was approved to be the PS in Health ministry, said he was worth Sh15 million.

Tourism PS Fatuma Hersi, who has a public relations background and had a high paying job in Switzerland with a monthly pay of Sh1.3million, declared her net worth as Sh32.5 million in real estate and cash. 

PAY CUT

International Development PS Chris Kiptoo made Sh23 million in the last financial year from his job at Trade Mark East Africa. He is one of those who will take the biggest pay cut. His net worth is Sh65 million. He has two houses in Nairobi, three vehicles and stocks in firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

He also said he had 80 acres of land.

The starting salary of a PS as per the guidelines of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission stands at Sh650,000, rising to Sh875,000 in five years.

Vocational Training PS Dinah Mwinzi said her net value is Sh8.9 million in farms, shares, a house, savings, land and assorted household items.

She has 25 years of experience in the public service; seven in the teaching profession, nine in Moi University and nine in civil service.

Saitoti Torome, who was plucked from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics to replace Planning PS Peter Mangiti, said his net worth was Sh30 million.

Youth and Public Service PS Lilian Omollo siad she is worth Sh73 million. She has vehicles worth Sh3.5 million and a Sh60 million property in Kitisuru as well as farms.

The PS for Social Services, Susan Mochache, declared her wealth as Sh80 million "owned jointly with my spouse". She made Sh12 million in salary in the last calendar year.

Arts, Culture and Sports PS Joseph Okudo declared his wealth as Sh17 million, made up of his residential house valued at Sh15 million, a vehicle at Sh1 million and other assets valued at Sh1 million.

Natural Resources PS Margaret Mwakima declared her total wealth to be Sh16.8 million.

Industry and Enterprise Development PS Julius Korir has a net worth of Sh45 million - he made Sh6.5 million in the last 12 months from farming; his salary for the first 11 months of this year was Sh5.6 million.

The PS for Public Works, Paul Maringa, declared his net worth as Sh51.45 million. Peter Kaberia, the PS for Defence has a net worth of Sh50 million.

East African Affairs PS Betty Maina, who made Sh10 million in pay every year during her tenure at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, said she was worth Sh40 million.

Correctional Services PS Micah Powon said he was worth Sh36.4 million, but last year he made his money from horticultural farming (Sh600,000) and maize (Sh580,000).

Livestock PS Andrew Tuimur is worth Sh61 million, including a farm worth Sh25 million.

Maritime Commerce PS Nancy Karigithu is worth Sh51 million. Broadcasting PS Sammy Itemere has wealth worth Sh71.5 million comprising a farm in Lugari, plots and houses in Nairobi. ICT PS Victor Kyalo has a Sh49 million fortune.
Andrew Ng'ang'a (Petroleum) has Sh60 million in land and shares. He made Sh6.5 million when he sold land in Isinya.