Salim Mvurya, the newly nominated Trade Cabinet Secretary, made headlines on Saturday when he disclosed his net worth to be Ksh.158 million during his vetting appearance before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments.
This figure marks a significant increase from his previously declared net worth of Ksh.120 million in September 2022, when he faced the same vetting process for his role as the immediate former Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy.
Mvurya attributed the increase in his wealth to the appreciation of his properties, which include residential homes, vehicles, and investments in land, along with cash holdings in his bank account.
“The value of my properties appreciated over the period,” he remarked to the committee during his recent appearance.
The committee had previously scrutinized Mvurya’s net worth, questioning the “conservative” nature of his financial disclosure, especially in light of his tenure as the Governor of Kwale County for a decade.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah pointed out that, based on his reported salary as governor of approximately Ksh.1.361 million gross per month, he should have accrued a considerable amount over ten years—around Ksh.88.6 million—before taxes.
“Did you have other loans or liabilities by the time you were Governor? Did you have access to cash facilities such as mortgage facilities? Have you taken up as Governor any mortgage facility or car loans that you are servicing?” Ichung’wah pressed during their exchange.
In his defense, Mvurya acknowledged having incurred loans during his governorship, which he prioritized settling before expanding his wealth portfolio.
As the vetting process continues, questions remain about the transparency of asset declarations among public officials and the potential for conflicts of interest.
