Public Outrage as DP’s Residence Undergoes Another Costly Makeover

Recent budgetary allocations have ignited a firestorm of public criticism, spotlighting a recurring pattern of lavish renovations at the official residence of Kenya's Deputy President in the affluent Karen suburb. 

Despite President William Ruto's austerity measures announced in July 2024, a dramatic surge in renovation budgets for State House and other official lodges, from Sh50 million to Sh2.6 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year, has intensified scrutiny of government spending priorities. The controversy stems from a history of extensive remodelling projects at the Deputy President's residence, a structure unveiled in 2012 during Mwai Kibaki's presidency. 

In 2023, shortly after assuming office, then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua initiated Sh400 million worth of modifications, citing the need to enhance the building's functionality and status. Barely a year later, in May 2024, his office requested an additional Sh660 million for further upgrades, defending the expenditures as necessary to address significant deterioration. 

These upgrades included replacing black floor tiles with black granite and red carpeting with a blue aesthetic. The legitimacy of these renovations came under intense scrutiny during Gachagua's impeachment proceedings in October 2024, with critics accusing him of misusing state funds. Gachagua defended his actions by emphasising the importance of maintaining a dignified environment suitable for diplomatic engagements. 

However, upon his departure, his successor, Prof Kithure Kindiki, swiftly initiated another round of modifications, including replacing the black granite floor tiles with white ones. These changes, perceived as preference-driven rather than necessity-based, have further fueled public discontent. 

The use of granite tiles, significantly more expensive than ceramic alternatives, underscores the high cost of these aesthetic upgrades. Despite the government's pledges of fiscal responsibility, these continuous renovations contradict President Ruto's austerity measures, which included a 50 percent reduction in renovation budgets for government buildings. 

The Deputy President's office has remained tight-lipped about the motivation behind the latest refurbishments. Public reaction has been swift and critical, particularly on social media platforms like X. Users such as Paul Onana have sarcastically questioned the frequency of renovations, while Nicholas Kariuki has condemned the spending as emblematic of misplaced priorities. 

This uproar coincides with extensive modifications at State House, Nairobi, including the replacement of its traditional roof with a flat design, a decision that has drawn criticism from architectural professionals and the public alike.