The government has officially designated the Homa Bay County Commissioner’s residence as a State Lodge through a new gazette notice, changing the property’s official government status.
Under Gazette Notice No. 7097, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the declaration of the residence as a State Lodge for official state and public functions.
The notice further states that the new designation takes effect immediately from the date of publication.
“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Homa Bay County Commissioner’s Residence as a State Lodge as from the date of this publication,” read part of the Gazette notice.
A State Lodge is a government-owned residence used by the President and senior state officials during official visits and short stays outside the main centers of government operations.
Unlike a State House, which serves as the President’s primary official residence and administrative headquarters, a State Lodge primarily serves as temporary accommodation and a meeting facility during regional tours and official engagements.
What Homa Bay’s New State Lodge Status Means for President Ruto and Government Operations
The government has officially designated the Homa Bay County Commissioner’s residence as a State Lodge, meaning the facility will now serve as official accommodation for President William Ruto and senior government officials during visits to the region.
State Lodges serve as secondary presidential residences for official tours and regional engagements, unlike State Houses, which function as the President’s main official residences and administrative centers in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru.
The newly recognized Lodge is expected to provide a secure venue for official meetings, state functions, and the hosting of high-profile guests within the region.
This facility includes a presidential residence, staff quarters, and upgraded security infrastructure, including perimeter walls, razor wire, and electric fencing, to support official state operations.
The declaration also places the property under government management for state use, with maintenance, operations, and security funded by public funds.
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Before the Homa Bay declaration, Kenya had 10 State Lodges located in Eldoret, Sagana, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kitale, Rumuruti, Bungoma, Kilifi, Cherang’any, and Kisii. The gazettement of the Homa Bay residence now pushes the total number of State Lodges in the country to 11.
State Lodges Renovation Funded Under State House Budget in 2025/26 Financial Year
The State Lodges and State Houses refurbishment program for the 2025/26 financial year in Kenya was financed under the Office of the President budget.
The Office of the President was allocated KSh 2.3 billion, with KSh 894.9 million specifically set aside for renovations to State House and presidential lodges.
Nairobi State House received the highest allocation at KSh 680.7 million for refurbishment works within the period under review.
Other allocations included KSh 60.1 million for Eldoret, KSh 42.5 million for Mombasa, and KSh 25 million for Nakuru for maintenance and upgrades.
Kakamega was allocated KSh 25 million, Kisumu KSh 24 million, Kisii KSh 12.5 million, and Sagana KSh 15 million under the same budget.
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A further KSh 10 million was allocated to the Mechanical Garage for operational and support services linked to State House and State Lodges maintenance.
The process of Declaring State Lodges in Kenya
The process begins with the identification of a suitable government facility, often a county commissioner’s residence or another public property capable of hosting the President and official state functions.
This proposed facility is then approved by the national government through the Interior Ministry or the relevant state authority before instructions are issued to elevate it to State Lodge status.
Following approval, the government publishes a Gazette Notice officially declaring the premises a State Lodge and specifying the date the new status takes effect.
Once gazetted, the State House Comptroller’s office assumes responsibility for the facility’s management, maintenance, protocol coordination, and security arrangements.
State Lodges may also receive protected area status under security regulations to support presidential operations and official government activities.
The declaration process is undertaken exclusively by the national executive through statutory instruments and does not involve applications from private individuals.
