An alarm has been raised over the alleged deplorable conditions of Nakuru State House, which is suffering from flawed amenities, including a leaking roof.
The State House's facilities were flagged following a recent inspection by the Administration and Internal Security Committee of Parliament.
According to the committee, Nakuru State House had several vulnerabilities ranging from inadequate security to leaking infrastructure. Committee Chair Gabriel Tongoyo revealed that lawmakers visited the residence to assess the progress and completion status of ongoing refurbishment works.
From what they discovered, questions were raised about the facility's state of readiness and its compliance with expected standards for a presidential residence.
State House Hospitality Manager Julius Kiptoo also painted a worrying picture as he cited structural and technical challenges, including inadequate security systems and budgetary limitations, which he claims affect refurbishment efforts.
Kiptoo, who has previously had experience serving at the State House in Mombasa, emphasised that leakages were arguably the most critical concerns that needed to be addressed urgently.
The visit was part of the Committee's broader oversight mandate to ensure that all presidential residences are maintained to optimum operational levels.
Following the committee's formal recommendations, the findings are set to be presented in Parliament for debate and possible inclusion in the supplementary budget for funding.
The State House, Nakuru, has received in excess of Ksh240 million for upgrades in various allocations between 2021 and 2023. However, the government says it needs more money to complete the refurbishment.
One of the more notable functions, which was slated to take place at the State House, Nakuru, this year, was the hosting of the winners of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival 2025.
Notably, President William Ruto has barely made appearances at State House Nakuru in 2025, with a meeting with Nakuru leaders in May taking place in the Nairobi presidential residence.
Interestingly, the flagging of the poor conditions at State House Nakuru came months after the government increased the State House budget by Ksh3.81 billion in the Supplementary Estimates Budget II 2024/25. Treasury has also increased the budget for the Executive Office of the President.
According to the report tabled in the National Assembly on Tuesday, February 18, the National Treasury raised the budget to the House on the Hill by 88.4 per cent, attributing the increase to the need to cater for the shortfall in operations and maintenance expenses, including medical insurance.
In a separate wave of criticism, President Ruto courted controversy after a report alleged he was planning the construction of a Ksh1.2 billion church in State House.
