Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the renovations at State House, which have cost taxpayers Ksh. 500 million over two years. This, despite President William Ruto announcing austerity measures.
Appearing on Citizen TV on Sunday, February 2, 2025, Duale clarified that the renovations were not solely focused on the roof, following online discussions after netizens noticed changes to the State House roof.
He also emphasized that the renovations were not for the benefit of President William Ruto.
“It’s not about a roof. Let’s not trivialize the seat of the President, the seat of the government, the face of the Republic in the eyes of high dignitaries who visit.
State House represents the Republic and serves as the seat of power for distinguished heads of state and government.
“The newly renovated State House does not belong to William Ruto—it is not his private residence. It is for future Presidents. You cannot accuse the President of building his own home,” Duale asserted.
Duale Defends President Ruto Over Ksh 500M State House Renovations
He further argued that the appearance of State House reflects the image of the President, making it essential for the Kenya Kwanza Government to undertake the renovations.
Additionally, he noted that the renovations should have been carried out during the administrations of President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“This facelift for State House should have happened not only during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure but also during President Kibaki’s.
What we don’t want is to spend excessive money on projects that do not significantly benefit citizens. The seat of the President is the face of the country—it is comparable to an airport,” the Environment Cabinet Secretary defended.
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Duale’s remarks come at a time when it has been revealed that President Ruto’s administration spent Ksh. 500 million on State House renovations over two years.
When the Head of State hosted the President of Guinea-Bissau, images of the newly renovated State House emerged, sparking heated debate on social media.
Many netizens questioned the necessity of altering historical buildings in the country.
The once-prominent hipped roof, adorned with terracotta tiles that had been there for decades, is no longer visible.
State House Undergoes Renovations for the Second Time
Some critics argued that the funds should have been allocated to more pressing national needs.
This marks the second time State House has undergone renovations in two years.
The first phase of renovations began in late 2022, a few months after the Kenya Kwanza government took office. This included repainting and installing a cabro surface in the front courtyard.
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The second phase commenced in January 2024, during which the main building of Nairobi’s State House was closed for renovations.
According to the Controller of Budget, there is a Ksh. 10.7 billion plan to refurbish State Houses and State Lodges over a 12-year period, set to conclude in June 2027.
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