An alarm has been raised over the alleged deplorable conditions of State House Nakuru, a facility meant to host the President. Members of Parliament have flagged flawed amenities, including a leaking roof and poor security, sparking questions about its readiness for official use.
Despite millions already allocated for refurbishments, the presidential residence remains in poor shape. Lawmakers now want urgent action, warning that the residence cannot be left in such a vulnerable condition while consuming billions in public funds.
MPs Raise Concern Over State House Nakuru
The Administration and Internal Security Committee of Parliament carried out an inspection at State House Nakuru to evaluate ongoing refurbishments. Committee Chair Gabriel Tongoyo confirmed that MPs were shocked by the state of the residence. They found leaking infrastructure, unfinished works, and inadequate security systems.
The committee’s findings painted a troubling picture. Tongoyo told Parliament that the facility, despite receiving over Ksh240 million between 2021 and 2023 for upgrades, still showed glaring weaknesses.
Hospitality Manager Julius Kiptoo, who has worked in other State House residences, confirmed that leakages remained the most urgent issue. He revealed that structural and technical challenges, worsened by budget limitations, had stalled progress. He stressed that these issues directly undermined the residence’s ability to serve as a safe and functional presidential retreat.
The committee visit formed part of Parliament’s oversight role to ensure that all presidential residences are maintained at the highest standards. Lawmakers are now preparing to table their recommendations in Parliament, with suggestions to include the facility in the supplementary budget for additional funding.
Millions spent but State House Nakuru still faces major issues
The government has pumped significant funds into the refurbishment of State House Nakuru, yet the results remain questionable. Between 2021 and 2023, over Ksh240 million was allocated for improvements. However, despite this investment, MPs found a facility with leaking roofs, unfinished works, and compromised security.
The issue is further complicated by the fact that in 2024, Treasury increased the State House budget by Ksh3.81 billion in the Supplementary Estimates. This represented an 88.4 per cent increase, supposedly meant to cater for shortfalls in operations and maintenance. The Executive Office of the President also saw a budget rise, which critics argue should have covered such urgent renovations.
The contradiction between massive allocations and poor delivery raises critical accountability questions. Why is State House Nakuru still in poor condition despite heavy spending? Who is responsible for ensuring the funds translate into quality work? These are the concerns MPs are expected to debate when the committee tables its report.
Events Avoided and Controversy Grows
Another major concern is the underutilisation of the facility. President William Ruto has rarely used State House Nakuru this year. Even a scheduled meeting with Nakuru leaders in May was instead held in Nairobi, avoiding the residence altogether.
This avoidance has led to speculation that the poor condition of the facility has discouraged official use. One of the key events planned for the residence this year was the hosting of winners of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival 2025, but the state of the building has raised doubts about its suitability.
Meanwhile, criticism of the President has deepened. Reports emerged alleging he planned to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House, a project many view as unnecessary when essential repairs remain unaddressed. This has sparked further debate on government spending priorities, especially at a time when taxpayers are bearing the burden of a rising cost of living.
The inspection findings have now shifted public attention toward accountability. MPs want answers on why taxpayers’ money is being spent without tangible improvements. With the committee’s recommendations heading to Parliament, the future of State House Nakuru could become a key political battleground in the months ahead.
