State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito has defended the Ksh. 1.5 billion budgeted for State House and lodges renovations in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Ole Metito said that the renovations for Nairobi and Nakuru State House were delayed, while presenting his budget policy statement before the National Assembly Security and Administration Committee.
He said the presidential mansions had undergone a significant renovation some time ago and that an additional Kesh. 6.2 billion would be required to finish the work.
“To achieve the set targets, State House requested Ksh.16 million to fund the State House Affairs Program in the FY 2024/25. However, the allocation at Budget Policy Statement is Ksh.9 million,” he said.
“There is therefore a likelihood that the State House may not achieve the planned targets due to the underfunding of Ksh.6 million,” Metito added.
Ole Metito spoke in response to a question posed by Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, Controller of Budget, concerning the government’s spending of Ksh. 51 billion in just six months without authorization from the National Assembly or her office.
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One of the costs associated with this provision is the remodeling of the buildings, where Ksh. 700 million was allocated for the building of a contemporary presidential dais.
In July, Ksh. 400 million was also given to State House for the purchase of automobiles.
Breakdown of the budget
In one of the proposed budgets, Nairobi building is expected to receive Ksh250 million. This is aimed at facilitating the renovation of the iconic presidential official resident.
Refurbishment of buildings at Eldoret Lodge will cost Ksh125 million while Sagana Lodge estimated to be Ksh35 million.
Kisumu Lodge would receive Ksh14.9 million, Mombasa Ksh240 million, and Nakuru Ksh250 million.
Furthermore, Ksh15 million will go to Kakamega Lodge. The budget for Mutito Andei Lodge is Ksh5 million while Kisii Lodge will receive Ksh19 million.
Ksh50 million would be allocated for ICT networking and communication equipment, while Ksh30 million would go toward the purchase of specialist gear, equipment, and plant.
A total of Ksh500 million would be spent on building and other civil works.
State houses and lodges
State houses and lodges in Kenya are used by the President of Kenya and other high-ranking government officials for official and private functions. They are also used to host foreign dignitaries and other guests.
In addition, they are equipped with top security features. The government lodges are a symbol of the power and prestige of the Kenyan government.
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Here is a list of government state houses used by the president and other top government officials: Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru.
State Lodges include: Sagana Lodge, Kisumu Lodge, Eldoret Lodge, Kakamega Lodge, Kitale Lodge, Rumuruti Lodge, Cherangany Lodge and Kisii Lodge.
Government lodges in Kenya are typically located in scenic and secluded areas, and they offer a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and golf courses.
