Kenyans to foot Sh245 million bill for Nyayo House renovation
The Ministry of Interior has said the funds are necessary for internal and external painting, as well as electrical and mechanical works, including lift repairs.
Taxpayers will have to shoulder a Sh245 million bill for the renovation of the 42-year-old Nyayo House, which accommodates over 58 national and county government departments, offering various public services, particularly immigration services.
The Ministry of Interior has said the funds are necessary for internal and external painting, as well as electrical and mechanical works, including lift repairs.
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The revelations come after Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana expressed concern over the deteriorating state of Nyayo House in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), particularly its impact on the efficient delivery of services.
She inquired whether there were immediate plans to renovate the building and what measures the government had put in place to ensure both the public and government officials working there have access to adequate facilities, including clean water, sanitary amenities and a conducive work environment.
Additionally, she sought clarification on whether there was a budgetary allocation for the renovation of Nyayo House in the 2024/25 financial year and, if so, the specific amount allocated.
In response, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen noted that due to the government’s ongoing austerity measures, the necessary funds are not immediately available.
“The State Department for Public Works, which was engaged to assess the required maintenance, prepared a Bill of Quantities totaling Sh244,831,860,” Murkomen said on Wednesday before the Senate.
“Unfortunately, the Ministry does not have the funds at the moment.”
He further disclosed that Sh70 million had been allocated in the 2024/25 financial budget for the renovation of ministry offices at Nyayo House. However, the funds were reallocated by the National Treasury due to ongoing austerity measures.
“We hope the National Treasury will eventually disburse the funds to facilitate the planned renovations,” he added.
Murkomen assured that all floors used by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services are being refurbished to enhance service delivery and provide a better working environment for staff and clients.
According to the CS, the 23rd-floor offices, which house the Principal Secretary, along with the 22nd, 23rd and 17th floors that accommodate the Directorate of e-Citizen Services, have already been renovated with modern furnishings and IT infrastructure.
Additionally, the service lobby on the ground floor, where passport applications and issuance are handled, has been fully renovated and expanded to better serve the public.
“Plans are underway to renovate offices on the 3rd, 4th and 8th floors, as well as refurbish all washrooms on floors occupied by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services,” Murkomen said.
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