NAIROBI, Kenya – A government expenditure report has revealed that nearly Sh8 billion is being channeled into renovations of State Houses and lodges across Kenya, raising concerns over spending priorities amid economic hardship.
The Controller of Budget (CoB), Margaret Nyakang’o, in a report released this week, detailed that Sh2.08 billion has already been spent on upgrading State House Nairobi, Mombasa, and eight state lodges. The total projected cost stands at Sh7.81 billion.
State House Nairobi is undergoing a Sh1.77 billion renovation, with Sh775.74 million already used.
The modernisation has drawn criticism, with concerns that it is altering the historic structure of the official residence.
In Mombasa, a significant Sh1.18 billion has been allocated for fencing and upgrading the main house, with Sh424.44 million spent so far.
Other ongoing refurbishments include:
- Eldoret State Lodge – Sh926.6 million allocated, but only 5% complete since 2015
- Sagana State Lodge, Nyeri – Sh388.76 million (Sh106.91 million spent)
- Kisumu State Lodge – Sh245.14 million
- Kakamega State Lodge – Sh265.26 million (Sh52.93 million spent)
- Kisii State Lodge – Sh795.75 million
Additionally, the government is spending Sh422.36 million on specialised equipment and machinery, alongside Sh428.56 million for a new mechanical garage.
The Eldoret State Lodge project, which began in 2015, remains stalled at just 5% completion.
Nyakang’o pointed to the delays as a symptom of poor strategic planning, warning that prolonged projects inflate costs and burden taxpayers.
The revelations have reignited debate over government spending priorities, particularly as Kenyans grapple with a high cost of living, pending bills, and public debt burdens.
Critics argue that while State Houses and lodges serve critical functions, their renovation costs should be weighed against urgent national needs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
