Hassan Ali Joho, the former Governor of Mombasa and current nominee for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, declared his net worth to be Ksh 2.36 billion during a parliamentary hearing on Sunday, August 4. Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, Joho detailed his wealth, which primarily consists of real estate holdings and investments in various companies.
Joho, whose personal wealth stands at Ksh 2,361,332,249, explained that his assets are largely comprised of developed and undeveloped properties located in Mombasa, Vipingo, Nairobi, and Malindi. He also noted his involvement in several companies, highlighting his stake in family businesses that operate independently of government influence.
“My family is in the logistics business and they are extremely busy,” Joho stated, emphasizing the distinction between his family’s enterprises and his public responsibilities. “Sometimes I even struggle to encourage them to help me with social programs and our foundation.”
Commitment to Humble Public Service
During the vetting process, Joho addressed concerns regarding his perceived opulence, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. In response to a question from Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Joho reiterated his commitment to maintaining a balanced lifestyle that aligns with his public service duties.
“What I want to assure this honourable committee is that I appreciate certain factors of life and you must have a balance,” Joho explained. “When you are serving the people, you must first of all make them feel comfortable. You must make them feel you are one of them. So opulence for me is a no.”
Joho expressed his intent to focus on his responsibilities to the Kenyan people, stating, “When I am working, I am working, when I am enjoying myself in my own setup at home, that’s fine and that’s another story. But when I’m going to the Kenyan people, my dedication is to work for them.”
A Taste for Luxury Watches
Addressing the topic of luxury items, Joho clarified that his collection of high-end watches was acquired long before his entry into public service. “You asked about valuables of jewelry, but I am talking about watches, and I have been wearing them even before I became a Member of Parliament,” he said.
He further emphasized his approach to wearing these items without flaunting them: “I know how to balance. I don’t have to wear it so I can show off, for what? What value will it give to anybody?” Joho recounted a recent internal debate over whether to wear a watch to the hearing, ultimately deciding to conceal it under his shirt sleeves to avoid any perception of extravagance.
As Joho awaits confirmation for his Cabinet Secretary role, he pledges to uphold a commitment to public service, ensuring that his personal wealth does not overshadow his dedication to serving the needs of the Kenyan people.
