Budget Boss Blocks Ksh 700M Splurge on State House VIP Stage – Exclusive Report
In October 2023, the State House sought Ksh700 million, according to a report from the Controller of Budget, to cover the expenses associated with building a contemporary presidential platform.
In the document, the State House referenced Article 233 of the Constitution when requesting the funds, contending that the legislation permits it to solicit financial support beyond its allocated budget for urgent projects.
State House justified the construction of the platform in State House gardens by stating that it would serve as a venue for hosting visiting presidents and other private meetings.
Nyakang’o, on the other hand, refused to authorize the allocation that had initially received approval from the Treasury.
The State House continued with the project using its initial budget despite the CoB’s decision to pause its funding request.
The report highlighted that a sum of Ksh600 million from the State House budget was designated for the development of a non-residential structure. Furthermore, Ksh152 million was allocated for the renovation of buildings and other infrastructure.
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“The State Department for State House recorded the highest absorption of development budget at 58.4 percent, while the State Department for Foreign Affairs recorded the lowest at 2.0 percent.
“This is attributed to enhanced operation and maintenance expenses, refurbishment of buildings, and other civil works,” read the report in part.
The State House’s decision to construct a platform was prompted by the ongoing refurbishment of Deputy President Ruto’s official residence, which is still in progress.
Before, presidents who visited would conduct joint press briefings with President William Ruto at the entrance of the State House before moving on to engage in bilateral discussions indoors.
As a result, the back office that Ruto has been utilizing during the current renovations is also linked to the presidential podium.
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.
Budget Boss Blocks Ksh 700M Splurge on State House VIP Stage – Exclusive Report