The Nelson Koech-led Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations committee scrutinised the suitability of Dr. Caroline Wanjiru Karugu, nominee for principal secretary in the State Department for East African Community (EAC) Affairs.
MPs pinned the nominee on her plans to steer Kenya’s interests within the EAC amid growing geopolitical tensions and slow trade integration.
Karugu previously served as the Deputy Governor of Nyeri County (2018–2022), CEO of Jabali Microserve, and Senior Group Investor Relations Manager at Britam Holdings.
Martha Wangari pointed out Kenya’s recent strained ties with South Sudan and the regional support during the African Union chairperson elections.
Wangari noted, “The EAC is in a very fragile state; recently we had AU elections, and it is said that some in the region did not support Kenya’s bid, and also the recent diplomatic situation with South Sudan. What will you do to repair this?”
Karugu told MPs, citing the contributions of past and current Kenyan leaders in fostering regional harmony. “We must first ensure peace and security for trade and the economy to thrive. Kenya has always been a leader in peacekeeping and mediation efforts, and I will work to strengthen that legacy.”
MPs questioned the nominee on value addition and the need to align EAC’s economic goals with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Caleb Amisi (Saboti) asked how Kenya can leverage both regional and continental trade agreements.
“We have the East African Community Agreement on Trade and the African Free Trade Agreements. How are you going to interface our sub-regional bloc and the African region as a whole, noting that we have similar offerings on horticulture, tea, and coffee?”
Dr. Karugu called for value addition and competitiveness: “We must first enhance East African products, but we must export finished products. Value addition is key. There’s a reason why eggs in Uganda are cheaper than in Kenya—it’s the cost of production. To be competitive, we must work on our cost.”
Speaking on capital markets, Hon. Fred Ikana raised concerns over the fragmentation of capital markets across EAC states.
“We have a number of companies trading within the East African Community, but the systems are not compatible. What are you going to do to integrate our stock markets?”
In response, Dr. Karugu acknowledged disparities in the automation and modernisation of financial systems.
“While Kenya has made great strides in automating its stock market, many EAC counterparts are still operating manually. I will champion policies that promote systems integration to enhance cross-border investment and trade,” she said.
Koech queried the nominee on her previous decision to decline a diplomatic post. “You have previously declined a nomination to a diplomatic post,” he asked.
“At the time, I declined due to personal and family obligations,” Karugu said.
She further assured the committee that she is now ready to serve the country at a regional level.
Koech raised concerns about past PSs in the State Department of East Africa Community Affairs being inactive in budget advocacy.
“We have noted that previous PSs were not active in pushing for increased budget,” he noted.
Karugu pledged to work closely with the National Treasury and the National Assembly to ensure adequate funding for the department, stating that strategic resources are key to fulfilling Kenya’s EAC commitments. The Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations will table a report on the suitability of the nominee before the National Assembly for consideration.