Government justifies Sh2 billion State House renovations as security project
State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito revealed that security agencies had taken over the refurbishment projects.
The government has defended its expenditure on renovating State House Nairobi and other state lodges, insisting that the ongoing facelift is a security-related project funded by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Department of Defence (DoD).
Appearing before the National Assembly Administration and Internal Security Committee on Monday, State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito revealed that security agencies had taken over the refurbishment projects.
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He also requested an additional Sh3 billion for pending projects, including ongoing renovations.
"We did not have a budget for renovation. The pavilion is being constructed under the DoD budget, while the main house is being renovated by NIS. This is a security facility that attracts security budgets," Metito told the committee.
He justified the renovations, citing the poor state of some of the buildings.
"In Mombasa, the building was uninhabitable. We must maintain the image of a country that positions itself as a regional power," he said.
Documents submitted to the committee show that State House Nairobi has spent Sh775 million out of the estimated project cost of Sh1.77 billion.
With the renovations currently at 44 per cent completion, an additional Sh180 million is expected to be allocated in the next financial year.
According to the Budget Policy Statement for 2025, State House has been allocated Sh7.518 billion, with Sh6.8 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh715.4 million for development projects. Metito explained that nearly 90 per cent of the total budget accounts for recurrent costs.
"Most of the staff at State House are presidential personnel on contract, which means they are paid gratuity," he said.
State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito before the National Assembly Administration and Internal Security Committee on February 24, 2025. (Photo: National Assembly)
However, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu criticized the expenditure, arguing that the government should prioritise the struggles of ordinary citizens.
"Kenyans are suffering and are being told to tighten their belts. The first belt to be tightened should be at State House. These renovations can wait until the economy stabilizes," she stated.
State House has listed several ongoing projects, which could cost up to Sh11.5 billion upon completion.
These include refurbishments at State House Mombasa and Nakuru, as well as state lodges in Eldoret, Sagana, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, and Mtito Andei.
Other projects involve construction and civil works worth Sh3 billion and the purchase of specialised equipment and machinery.
Major changes
The 118-year-old State House has undergone major changes. The previously hipped roof with terracotta tiles is no longer visible due to the addition of an enhanced vertical wall along the roofline. Chimneys, once a distinct feature, have also been removed.
The old structure had two drive-through entrance porches, now replaced with a single central porch.
Metito dismissed concerns that the renovations compromised the historical integrity of State House.
"The building is not a flat roof. The original roof remains intact. It is still beautiful, and nothing has been lost in terms of heritage," he said.
The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has raised concerns that the extent of the renovations has altered the historical and cultural significance of the building.
"The design alterations have diminished the recognition of State House," AAK stated.
In response, Metito argued that the core design remains unchanged.
"People are seeing the renovations from afar. If you go inside the building, we haven't lost the historical and architectural designs. The roof is not flat. The building is not yet complete," he concluded.
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