Concerns over financial priorities as Sh8bn put into State House, lodges renovations
The revelations have reignited concerns over government expenditure, especially at a time when Kenyans continue to grapple with a high cost of living
A whopping Sh7.81 billion is being poured into renovating State Houses and lodges nationwide, with Sh2.08 billion already spent, a new expenditure report reveals.
The report, released by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o, details ongoing refurbishments at State House Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as eight state lodges.
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Despite past protests over government spending, the projects continue, raising fresh concerns about financial priorities.
Kenya has at least 12 State Houses and state lodges across the country. The State Houses are mainly three – in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru.
The state lodges are distributed in nine counties which include Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Eldoret, Makueni, Kilifi and Nyeri.
State House Nairobi is undergoing major refurbishment for Sh1.77 billion, with Sh775.74 million already spent. Critics argue that the modernisation efforts have altered the historic design of the residence.
Delays since 2015
The Eldoret State Lodge is also being upgraded, with Sh926.6 million allocated for the project. However, the report highlights delays, noting that work has been ongoing since 2015 but remains only five per cent complete.
"Refurbishment of buildings at Eldoret State Lodge, which started in 2015, is merely at five per cent," Nyakang'o noted.
At Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri, renovations amounting to Sh388.76 million are underway, with Sh106.91 million already spent.
In Mombasa, the government is refurbishing the State House fence and main house for Sh1.18 billion, with Sh424.44 million already used.
Kisumu State Lodge is receiving a facelift for Sh245.14 million, while Kakamega’s State Lodge renovations are projected to cost Sh265.26 million, with Sh52.93 million spent by the end of December 2024.
The Kisii State Lodge is undergoing major upgrades for Sh795.75 million.
The report further outlines additional expenditures, including Sh422.36 million for the purchase of specialised equipment and machinery, and Sh428.56 million for the establishment of a mechanical garage.
Nyakang'o emphasised the need for better planning to prevent delays.
"The delays to complete the works highlight the critical need for strategic planning and prioritisation to ensure timely project completion."
The revelations have reignited concerns over government expenditure, especially at a time when Kenyans continue to grapple with a high cost of living
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