Lavish Sh2.3 billion upgrades for Ruto offices

By Newsflash Writer

Kenyan taxpayers will foot a multi-billion-shilling bill to upgrade President William Ruto’s offices in the upcoming 2025/26 financial year, making the Executive Office one of the few state departments to receive more funds.

Budget documents from the National Treasury show that out of the Sh2.3 billion allocated to the State House and Office of the President, Sh894.9 million will go toward renovations at State House Nairobi and other presidential lodges.

The development budget for the President’s office will also jump from Sh50 million to Sh1.46 billion, covering refurbishments at Harambee House, Government Press, and support to the National Fund for the Disabled.

The increased spending contradicts the Kenya Kwanza administration’s promises to eliminate luxury expenditure amid revenue shortfalls and reduced donor support.

Spending amid cuts

Earlier this month, the Cabinet approved the Sh4.3 trillion budget framework but signaled pending revisions to match lower revenue forecasts. While the government aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 2.7 percent without new taxes, spending on presidential renovations has continued.

The Sh894.9 million budget comes shortly after State House Nairobi underwent major design changes, including a controversial flat-roof makeover. Initially, these costs were shouldered by the NIS and Ministry of Defence, but the new budget assigns them directly to the Office of the President.

The budget sets aside Sh680.7 million for Nairobi’s State House maintenance and additional funds for lodges in Eldoret (Sh60.1 million), Mombasa (Sh42.5 million), Nakuru and Kakamega (Sh25 million each), Kisumu (Sh24 million), Sagana (Sh15 million), Kisii (Sh12.5 million), and a mechanical garage (Sh10 million).

Gov’t defends upgrades

The Treasury defended the allocations, stating that the funds support the President’s mandate, policy coordination, and the upkeep of facilities that serve top state officials.

Renovations began in late 2022, following advice that parts of the 117-year-old structure were unsafe. While some experts recommended building a new State House, the government opted for renovations due to cost concerns.

MPs and civil groups have raised concerns over the timing of the spending. Kisumu West MP Rozaah Buyu criticized the facelift, saying the government should lead in budget restraint when Kenyans are suffering.

Backlash over design

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) criticized the new design, saying it undermines the building’s historical value. However, State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito defended the facelift, claiming the original architecture remains preserved inside. “The roof isn’t flat. The work is still ongoing,” he said.

Originally built during colonial rule, State House served as the residence of Kenya’s first president after independence. Unlike former presidents who rarely used state lodges, President Ruto has actively utilized them for official meetings — a key reason cited for the increased maintenance budget.