Delays in the renovation of Nakuru State House have come under scrutiny after Members of Parliament flagged structural weaknesses, leakages and technical challenges holding back the project.
The lawmakers, who toured the residence on Tuesday, said the refurbishment must be fast-tracked to ensure the facility meets safety and functional standards expected of a presidential residence.
The National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee, chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo, inspected the progress of works and raised concern over issues that could compromise the project’s completion.
During the briefing, State House Hospitality Manager Julius Kiptoo listed several challenges, including structural defects, technical problems, security risks and limited funds. Drawing comparisons with State House Mombasa, he said Nakuru should benefit from lessons already applied in other presidential residences.
“The matter of leakages is particularly urgent. If it is not resolved, it could compromise the long-term integrity of the building,” Kiptoo told the lawmakers.
The Committee pressed for clarity on timelines, budget allocations and security upgrades, stressing the need to deliver value for money while ensuring the building is fit to host official events. After the briefing, the team toured the premises, inspecting completed works and noting areas still behind schedule.
Tongoyo said Parliament is keen on accountability in the use of public funds and will make recommendations to guide the completion of the project.
“The people of Kenya expect accountability, efficiency, and quality in the use of public resources. Our responsibility as a Committee is to ensure that such projects are implemented in a way that serves the country effectively,” he said.
Nakuru State House is among three main presidential residences outside Nairobi, alongside Mombasa, and is supported by several state lodges in different regions.
Records from the Controller of Budget indicate the government has a Sh10.7 billion plan to modernise state houses and lodges over 12 years ending June 2027. By September 2024, Sh3.3 billion had been allocated for Nairobi State House alone, with Sh775 million spent, marking 44 per cent completion.
Spending slowed after June 2024 when budget cuts followed the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, although work continued on the Nairobi residence. Some pending bills remain unclear.
Under President Ruto, refurbishment costs have steadily risen. State House spent Sh59.8 million in the 2022/2023 financial year and Sh160.4 million in 2023/2024, bringing total reported expenditure to Sh220.3 million by June 2024.
