Leakages, technical issues slow Nakuru State House refurbishment, MPs say

Members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security Committee during inspection of the ongoing refurbishment of Nakuru State House on September 16, 2025. (Photo: X/Hussein Weytan)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Records from the Controller of Budget show that the government has a Sh10.7 billion plan to refurbish state houses and state lodges over 12 years ending in June 2027.

Members of Parliament have raised concerns over delays in the refurbishment of Nakuru State House, citing structural challenges and security gaps that could affect the completion of the project.

During an inspection tour on Tuesday, the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee called for urgent measures to address leakages and technical issues hampering the works.

More To Read

The Committee, chaired by MP Gabriel Tongoyo, visited Nakuru State House to assess the progress and completion status of ongoing renovations.

State House Hospitality Manager Julius Kiptoo highlighted several challenges facing the facility, including structural and technical uncertainties, security vulnerabilities and budgetary constraints.

Drawing on his experience at State House Mombasa, Kiptoo urged the Committee to consider lessons from other presidential residences to elevate Nakuru State House to expected standards.

“The matter of leakages is particularly urgent. If it is not resolved, it could compromise the long-term integrity of the building,” Kiptoo said.

The Committee members sought clarifications on timelines, security upgrades and resource allocation, stressing the need for the refurbishment to deliver value for money while ensuring a safe and functional residence capable of hosting official government events.

Following the briefing, the Committee toured the premises, inspecting completed works and identifying areas that are still lagging.

Speaking after the visit, Tongoyo reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to ensuring government facilities like Nakuru State House are well maintained. He said the Committee would compile its observations and make recommendations to guide the completion of the project.

“The people of Kenya expect accountability, efficiency, and quality in the use of public resources. Our responsibility as a Committee is to ensure that such projects are implemented in a way that serves the country effectively,” Tongoyo said.

Nakuru State House is one of three presidential residences outside Nairobi, with the others located in Nairobi and Mombasa. There are also several other state lodges across the country.

Records from the Controller of Budget show that the government has a Sh10.7 billion plan to refurbish state houses and state lodges over 12 years ending in June 2027.

By September 2024, Sh3.3 billion had been invested in the Nairobi State House project, which has an estimated value of Sh1.7 billion. Of this, Sh775 million had been spent, representing a 44 per cent completion status.

However, no expenditure was recorded between June 2024 and December 2024 following budget cuts instituted by the President after the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. Despite this, work on the Nairobi State House continued, resulting in the ongoing renovations, though some pending bills may not yet have been declared.

In the 2022/2023 financial year ending June 2023, State House spent Sh59.8 million, likely on initial works under President Ruto. In the subsequent financial year ending June 2024, Sh160.4 million was paid for major refurbishment, bringing total reported spending so far to Sh220.3 million.