Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Andrew Karanja has issued a stern warning to cartels operating within the Ministry of Agriculture.

Emphasising his commitment to integrity, Karanja declared that cartels in Kilimo House will soon be out of business.

"I know dealing with cartels is a big issue and there are many formats and forms, but if approved by this committee, I am giving a notice to cartels that they will be out of business in the fact that one of the principles that I hold very dear is integrity not to be compromised," he said.

"The other principle I hold very dear is having the country's and farmers' interests first, so I will deal with them and do whatever it takes." 

The Agriculture CS nominee vowed to put in place governance systems and structures and involve all relevant government agencies.

"I am sure the government is capable and has systems that can deal with these cartels," he said.

Karanja said if approved by the committee he will put effort into ensuring cartels are eradicated so that farmers can acquire good quality products, unlike last season when they were reportedly supplied with fake fertiliser.

"Cartels thrive where there is lack of competition and openness, I will make sure there is openness and the integrity is maintained," he added.

He said he will ensure he has a governance structure that will monitor how fertilisers are procured and distributed through government agencies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards to ensure the highest standards are met.

Karanja was the first to be vetted by the Committee on Appointments on day two of the exercise.

The vetting is being chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula.

Four other nominees will face the vetting panel.