The government has commissioned two additional State Lodges in Bungoma and Kwale to facilitate President William Ruto’s stay during his visits across the country.
In a gazette notice, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the official residences of the Bungoma and Kwale County Commissioners would now serve as State Lodges, bringing the total number across the country to nine.
“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.
State Lodges in Kenya are official government residences or properties designated for use by the President and senior government officials during official functions, retreats, or travels. These lodges are strategically located in various regions and are typically maintained by the government, specifically the State House Comptroller’s office.
They are primarily used by the President for rest, private meetings, or official functions when away from Nairobi. Occasionally, they can be used to host state guests, government retreats, or high-level summits. Some are also utilized by the Deputy President or other high-ranking officials under special arrangements.
Currently, there are State Lodges in Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, Sagana, Mombasa, Kakamega, and Kisii. Out of these, the Sagana State Lodge is one of the most frequently mentioned due to its role in retreats and political meetings.
The Lodge has been a strategic location for major national announcements by past presidents and was upgraded significantly under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Another well-known Lodge is State Lodge Nakuru which is one of the most historically significant. It was frequently used by former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi.Currently, it hosts political and administrative meetings.
The State Lodges are maintained using public funds under the State House budget. Renovations or upgrades are sometimes highlighted in national budget allocations or audit reports by institutions like the Office of the Auditor-General.
Even so, under Ruto, State House operations have emphasized reducing unnecessary expenditure. Some reports have suggested reduced use of multiple residences in favor of more centralized operations.
State Lodges in the country are distinct from State Houses in both status and function, although both serve the Presidency. A State House in Kenya is an official residence and administrative office of the President of the Republic of Kenya. It is where the President conducts the bulk of national executive duties, hosts state visitors, and resides while in that region.
Currently there are three State Houses in Kenya; Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru.
