Mbadi defends Ksh1.18B State House renovation, says it had been left to rot and roof was leaking

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government’s decision to spend Ksh1.18 billion on the ongoing renovation of State House, arguing that the iconic building had been neglected for years and had deteriorated to the point where parts of it, including the roof, were leaking.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Mbadi said the renovations were necessary to restore the dignity of one of Kenya’s most important national symbols, insisting that the seat of power should reflect the country’s image to the rest of the world.

According to the CS, State House had been left in a deplorable condition before the refurbishment works began.

“The truth of the matter is that if you saw the State House that we have been having, it had been left to rot, and that is the seat of power,” Mbadi said.

He noted that countries across the world invest heavily in maintaining official presidential residences, citing the White House in the United States as an example.

“Even if you look at the White House, they always maintain it, and it looks beautiful. So even our State House should not be left in a deplorable state,” he stated.

Mbadi revealed that one of the major issues facing the historic building was a leaking roof, describing the situation as embarrassing for a country that regularly hosts visiting heads of state and other international dignitaries.

“Where State House is leaking, that is a shame, and that is where you host international dignitaries,” he said.

He argued that allowing foreign leaders to visit a poorly maintained State House would create a negative first impression about Kenya.

“The first impression they would have about Kenya is that these are very disorganised people,” Mbadi remarked.

The Treasury CS also sought to clarify public concerns surrounding the broader State House budget, saying many Kenyans mistakenly assume the allocation is meant solely for the Nairobi residence.

According to him, the funds cover several institutions operating under the Presidency.

“The Ksh11 billion budget, it is not just the State House that is counted there. We also have the State Lodges; we have the Presidency, and under the Presidency there is a lot there,” he explained.

His remarks come amid continued public debate over the billions of shillings allocated toward the refurbishment of State House and State Lodges at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges and calls for prudent use of public funds.

Government records indicate that more than Ksh11.5 billion has been earmarked for State House infrastructure projects spread across multiple financial years, with the programme covering the main State House in Nairobi as well as several State Lodges across the country.

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