Bungoma, Kwale County Commissioners' residences declared State Lodges

The official homes of County Commissioners in Bungoma and Kwale have been formally turned into State Lodges, expanding the reach of presidential accommodations beyond the capital.

The latest additions offer President William Ruto more options during his countrywide tours.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement through a gazette notice dated April 17, 2025, confirming the new status of the two county residences.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares the Bungoma County Commissioner and Kwale County Commissioner’s official residences as State Lodges,” the notice read.

These lodges, alongside the country’s main State Houses, serve as official residences for the President and other top government officials when conducting duties outside the capital.

The facilities are managed by the State House Comptroller’s office to ensure they are ready for any official engagement.

The announcement comes as government spending on the refurbishment of State Houses and State Lodges has drawn public interest.

A report released by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o in March 2025 revealed that a total of Sh7.81 billion has been allocated for renovations across the country, with Sh2.08 billion already spent by the end of December 2024.

The report detailed various projects currently underway. State House Nairobi, one of the three main State Houses alongside Mombasa and Nakuru, is undergoing a major overhaul at a cost of Sh1.77 billion.

By the end of last year, Sh775.74 million had already been used for the works. However, critics have raised concerns that the ongoing renovations are affecting the historical features of the property.

In Eldoret, the State Lodge has faced long-standing delays. The report noted that renovations that began in 2015 are still far from completion, with only five per cent of the work done.

“Refurbishment of buildings at Eldoret State Lodge, which started in 2015, is merely at five per cent,” Nyakang’o stated.

Other ongoing projects include the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri, where works valued at Sh388.76 million are underway, with Sh106.91 million already spent.

In Mombasa, a project costing Sh1.18 billion is focused on improving the State House’s fence and main structure, with Sh424.44 million spent so far.

The Kisumu State Lodge is being renovated at a cost of Sh245.14 million, while in Kakamega, the upgrade is expected to cost Sh265.26 million, of which Sh52.93 million had been used by the close of 2024.

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In Kisii, the State Lodge is undergoing significant improvements with a budget of Sh795.75 million.

Additional spending highlighted in the report includes Sh422.36 million set aside for the purchase of specialised machinery and equipment, and another Sh428.56 million earmarked for the development of a mechanical garage.

Nyakang’o, in her report, called for improved planning to avoid similar delays in future projects. “The delays to complete the works highlight the critical need for strategic planning and prioritisation to ensure timely project completion,” she stated.

The formal recognition of Bungoma and Kwale residences as State Lodges reflects the government’s push to decentralise presidential operations, but it also comes at a time when public scrutiny over State spending is at its highest.