I'm not a desk minister, says Trade nominee Mvurya

Salim Mvurya Mgala, Investments, Trade and Industry CS nominee before the Committee on Appointments at County Hall, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Salim Mvurya, the nominee for Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary, has denied being a “desk minister,” a label he acquired from his previous role.

Mvurya has faced criticism from some Kenyans who accused him of being silent and reserved while leading the Mining Ministry in the recently dismissed Cabinet.

Many social media users questioned his visibility and contributions at the Mining Ministry compared to his counterparts, who if they were not issuing press briefings, were tweeting, or appearing alongside President William Ruto.

Appearing before the vetting committee on Saturday about the alleged moniker, Mvurya said, "I am not a desk minister. I have been to West Pokot, Kathonzweni, Busia, Kamket, and many other parts of Kenya."

Defending his track record, he added, "This ministry was fairly new when I joined (referring to Mining), and we had to put structures in place. I have a lot of field information to confirm I am not a desk minister."

Corruption Scandals

Mvurya also denied involvement in any corruption scandals during his tenure as Kwale Governor, a concern raised during vetting by the National Assembly Committee of Appointments on Saturday, August 3.

"I have not heard from any government institutions alleging misappropriation, whether from the DCI, EACC, Auditor General, or Controller of Budget. I am not aware of any allegations regarding my integrity," he said.

However, last year, Mvurya faced scrutiny over stalled projects valued at more than Sh581 million in Kwale County. He and his then-deputy, Fatuma Achani, were questioned about the incomplete governor’s residence. Despite an allocation of Sh149 million, the residence was never completed.

If confirmed as Trade CS, Mvurya plans to engage various stakeholders, including Parliament, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and security agencies, to combat counterfeits in Kenya.

"I will work with KEBS to assess the quality of goods and various security agencies to create awareness and enforce compliance so that borders are not used to bring counterfeit goods into the country," Mvurya said.

He also emphasised the need to impose levies to help local industries survive the challenging economic conditions facing the country.

WATCH: Salim Mvurya defends his track record during his tenure as CS Mining; he is currently undergoing vetting as a nominee for the position of CS Investment, Trade & Industry#cabinetnomineesvetting pic.twitter.com/DtLjElogmo — KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) August 3, 2024

Net worth

Mvurya's net worth now sits at Sh158 million, growing by Sh38m. He was worth Sh120 million when he was last vetted in 2022. 

If approved, Mvurya will take over the trade ministry, succeeding Rebecca Miano, who was nominated to the Tourism and Wildlife ministry.