Just like their predecessors, both President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta made several notable changes at State House upon becoming residents of the over 100-year-old vast estate.
Some of the changes range from infrastructure tweaks to protocol among others.
However, despite making a raft of changes, Ruto has maintained two key traditions that were initiated by the previous regime.
Accessibility Tradition
Just like Uhuru, Ruto has strived to make State House more accessible to Kenyans even breaking traditions set over the years.
For instance, on June 2, Ruto hosted winners of the National Drama Festival with students allowed to bring their props for their performance. Previously, the props had been banned because they posed a security threat.
"I did not come to Mombasa as invited earlier through the ministry, and it was intentional. I wanted you to come so we can set a new standard and raise the bar in matters of arts and the creative industry.
"What has happened here has never happened at State House. I wanted to set the pace," he stated at the time allowing participants to take photos.
This precedent was set by Uhuru after he won the 2013 polls. During his 10-year tenure, he occasionally hosted events, interacted freely with his guests and at times took selfies with them.
"I am not a believer in stiffness or in the dress code. We have tried to remove all the things attached with formality. We have tried to demystify the State House and its accessibility.
"Before, people would say this is the President's residence but this is the people's residence," Uhuru stated during an interview on Citizen TV on April 8, 2014.
Sculptures
Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's contributions to State House which included the introduction of sculptures in the gardens had a lasting effect transcending Uhuru's two terms in office.
In fact, Uhuru placed some of the sculptures outside his office balcony - which was his favourite spot at State House.
"This is my spot to unwind. It also gives me time to engage with the DP. We can also have a meal here.
"My wife is so much into conservation and having these models consistently reminds us of our heritage and our need to protect it for future generations. It also promotes our local artists," Uhuru revealed in 2014.
Notably, the sculptures have also been adopted by the current administration, headed by Ruto, and stand tall outside the house on the hill.
