A report by the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o has revealed that State House requested Ksh700 million to cater for the construction of a modern presidential dais in October 2023.
In the report, the State House cited Article 233 of the Constitution while applying for the money, arguing that the law allows it to seek funds out of its budget for emergency projects.
In its defence, State House explained that the dais, set to be constructed at State House gardens, would be used to host visiting presidents and other exclusive meetings.
Nyakang'o, however, declined to authorise the allocation which was initially approved by the Treasury.
State House proceeded with the project funded by its original budget after the CoB put a halt to its request.
In the report, it was noted that Ksh600 million from the State House's budget was allocated to the construction of a non-residence building. Additionally, Ksh152 million was used for refurbishment of buildings and other infrastructure.
"The State Department for State House recorded the highest absorption of development budget at 58.4 per cent, while the State Department for Foreign Affairs recorded the lowest at 2.0 per cent.
"This is attributed to enhanced operation and maintenance expenses, refurbishment of buildings and other civil works," read the report in part.
State House's plan to build a dais was also necessitated by the planned renovation of Ruto's official residence which is yet to be completed.
Previously, visiting presidents hosted joint press briefings alongside President William Ruto at State House entrance before proceeding to hold bilateral talks inside.
Consequently, the presidential dais is also connected to a back office that Ruto has been using during the ongoing renovations.
So far, Ruto has hosted Polish President Andrzej Duda and other visitors in his new office, whose architectural design deviates from the traditional State House design.
