Bungoma and Kwale County Commissioners' residences designated as State Lodges

President William Ruto will now have additional resting and working spaces during his visits across the country, following the official designation of the County Commissioners’ residences in Bungoma and Kwale as State Lodges.

The two residences have been added to the existing list of presidential lodges.

The announcement was made through a gazette notice issued on April 17, 2025, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

"It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares the Bungoma County Commissioner and Kwale County Commissioner’s official residences as State Lodges," the notice read.

This marks an increase in the total number of State Lodges across Kenya.

These lodges, along with the main State Houses, function as official residences for the President and other senior government officials while carrying out duties outside the capital.

The facilities are overseen by the State House Comptroller’s office, which ensures they remain prepared for any official engagements.

This announcement comes amid growing public interest in government expenditure on the renovation of State Houses and Lodges.

According to a report released in March 2025 by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, a total of Sh7.81 billion has been allocated for refurbishment projects nationwide, with Sh2.08 billion already spent by the end of December 2024.

The report outlines several ongoing renovation efforts. Notably, State House Nairobi—one of the country’s three main State Houses, alongside those in Mombasa and Nakuru—is undergoing significant refurbishment at a projected cost of Sh1.77 billion.

By the close of 2024, Sh775.74 million had already been spent on the project.

However, the renovations have sparked criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about potential impacts on the historical integrity of the property.