Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee Julius Ogamba has declared his net worth to be Ksh790 million.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments for vetting on Thursday, August 1, 2024, Ogamba detailed that his wealth primarily comprises land assets, alongside investments in tea, trees, vehicles, farm equipment, and income from his law firm.
“I am worth 790 million made of largely land, I have got tea, trees, vehicles, farm equipment and of course the income from the law firm,” Ogamba stated.
Ogamba on his nomination
Earlier, Pokot South MP David Pkosing challenged Ogamba about his reasons for joining the Education ministry so close to retirement.
This is after President William Ruto mandated that all public servants retire at 60 years.
Pkosing questioned Ogamba’s motivation for stepping into the Education Ministry at this stage of his career.
“This is the most interesting candidate before the committee. He is remaining with three years to attain retirement age and has never worked in public service anywhere,” Pkosing said.
He asked whether Ogamba’s nomination was a form of reward or headhunting, given that he is nearing retirement and was not previously engaged in public service.
“What motivation does he have in public service three years to his retirement while he was not motivated for the rest of his life when he was very useful? I am not saying he is not useful but he is going to retire in three years. Was this (his nomination) head hunting or a reward?”
Speaker of the National Assembly Wetangula argued that Pkosing’s concerns were irrelevant since there are no age limits for ministerial appointments.
Ogamba defended his suitability for the role, highlighting his extensive experience representing public institutions and handling pro-bono cases.