MPs question Sh400 million renovation costs for ex-DP Gachagua's offices, homes
By Lucy Mumbi |
The committee described the expenses as excessive, suggesting they equalled or exceeded the original cost of constructing the buildings.
Members of Parliament have criticised the more than Sh400 million spent on renovations for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Harambee Annex office and his official residences in Karen and Mombasa during the last financial year.
Details presented to the National Assembly Security and National Administration Committee reveal that the funds were allocated for repairs such as refurbishing kitchens, constructing new washrooms, and landscaping, including planting flowers.
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The committee described the expenses as excessive, suggesting they equalled or exceeded the original cost of constructing the buildings.
Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tong’oyo questioned the rationale behind the expenditures, stating, “The cost of that building was Sh600 million, and the cost of repair will be Sh450 million. Don’t you think that’s too much?”
According to current staff at the Deputy President’s office, Sh100 million was spent on refurbishing the Harambee House Annex.
This included renovating the sixth floor, installing three lifts, and revamping a VIP dining room on the second floor.
Director of Planning at the Deputy President’s office Ann Mwangi, disclosed that pending works at Harambee Annex include replacing tiles, resizing corridors, and installing a fountain.
The total renovation cost for the Harambee Annex is projected to reach Sh450 million by 2027, with the works currently 22 per cent complete.
In Karen, Gachagua’s official residence underwent upgrades costing Sh250 million. These included the construction of a 50-seater Cabinet meeting room, a 100-seater dining room, a garage, two washrooms, and the provision of furniture and fittings.
The renovations are halfway complete, with total costs expected to reach Sh560 million, exceeding the Sh460 million originally spent to build the residence.
In Mombasa, Sh50 million was used to install a state-of-the-art swimming pool, air conditioning, new ceiling boards, additional washrooms, and a guest wing.
Once completed, the total expenditure on the Mombasa residence is projected to rise to Sh240 million.
Lawmakers have expressed alarm over the escalating costs, urging accountability and justifications for the expenditure.
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