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State House complains after its several lands grabbed
25th February, 2026 12:33 AM
Katoo Ole Metito, the State House comptroller, has complained that some daring Kenyans have been grabbing lands belonging to State Lodges.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Metito regretted that the trend has slowed down renovation plans in several parts of the country.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Metito said many State Houses and Lodges are sitting on land that has been encroached on over the years.
Land in the wrong hands
“Almost all these State Lodges and State Houses… their land was really encroached, so it is a process. We are trying one by one. Even the Eldoret one we did, we had to repossess it from the club,” said Metito.
He revealed that hundreds of acres have been grabbed in different counties, making it difficult to carry out planned upgrades.
Metito told MPs that they have already recovered 100 acres in Kakamega and are now focusing on Nakuru and Kisumu.
Members of Parliament raised concern over the boldness of those said to have taken over the land. They also pointed out that in some areas, buildings are coming up too close to State facilities.
“When we went to Kisumu, despite some renovations that have taken place, there was a lot of land dispute. It is being said that part of the State Lodge has been taken up by the county government; actually, one house was occupied by a nominated MCA,” said Gabriel Tongoyo.
Security concerns raised
MPs further directed that construction of a multi-storey building next to State House in Nakuru be halted, saying it poses a security risk.
Metito also addressed questions about State House spending after it was allocated Ksh11 billion out of the proposed KSh20 billion in the next budget.
“On average, we spend Ksh123 million per function, and the minimum number of guests is 4,500. So when you talk of costs of tents, food, you know…,” he explained.
He added that over Ksh120 million is spent during national holidays held outside the city and confirmed that 13 renovation projects are ongoing in different State Houses and Lodges across the country.
