Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Photo/Newsflash
By Georgina Mwikali
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the recent renovations at the Nairobi State House which are estimated to cost the taxpayer more than Sh500 million.
This upgrade, which saw the iconic building closed for renovations in January 2024, marks the second time in just over two years that State House has undergone significant works.
While some citizens have questioned the expenditure, Duale dismissed the uproar, emphasizing that the State House serves as the country’s face to visiting dignitaries and the facelift is warranted.
He also refuted media reports, which cited the Controller of Budget claiming a Sh10.7 billion plan for refurbishing state houses and lodges over the next 12 years, ending in June 2027.
“There is nothing like Sh10 billion. The Controller of Budget does not deal with expenditure,” Duale stated, adding that the Cabinet was presented with a plan not exceeding Sh2 billion.
He further invited critics to tour the newly refurbished State House, stating, “Let us not trivialise the Presidency, the face of the Republic in the eyes of dignitaries who visit.”
The new State House, Duale stressed, does not belong to President William Ruto but is meant for future generations and presidents.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining a dignified appearance, comparing Kenya’s State House to others in the region.
“You have not travelled to other countries, including Tanzania which has a new State House in Dodoma. I have just returned with President Ruto from Egypt. You would appreciate the facelift if you saw the standards abroad,” he added.
Despite these upgrades, Duale assured that President Ruto’s commitment to austerity measures remains intact.
He pointed out that State House renovations were overdue, suggesting that similar improvements should have been made during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure.
Financial records show that between June 2023 and June 2024, State House spent Sh60.4 million on the renovation, contributing to a total of Sh220.3 million spent on the project so far.
Additionally, Sh330 million has been allocated for the refurbishment of the Mombasa State Lodge, while other state lodges have received varying amounts for upgrades.
Although budget cuts are expected, the development expenditure for these state houses over the last two years has amounted to Sh2.9 billion, falling short of the required Sh3.7 billion.
With ongoing refurbishment work, questions remain about the funding needed to complete these extensive renovations.
