REVEALED: How KDF Got Approval to Build Flat Roof at State House

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed on Sunday that the government had contracted the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to construct the State House, as plans for further renovations continue to emerge.

The recent redesign of the State House sparked controversy. Many Kenyans expressed mixed reactions to the new look which took shape weeks ago following costly renovations under President William Ruto’s administration.

Duale, the immediate former Defence cabinet secretary, under whose tenure renovation works at State House began, explained that the government could not award the construction tender to any entity other than KDF as the State House is considered a key security installation. 

”The architect in State House and the engineers are from the Kenya Defence Forces. Of course, the State House is a security installation and the seat of the President of the republic,” Duale revealed. 

When questioned about why the government chose KDF for the project despite the high renovation costs and the need for an open tender procurement process, Duale clarified that the military was only involved in the redesign.

He further explained that the final design was approved by the Comptroller of State House, Katoo Ole Metito.

”The architects are architects of the KDF. It is the Comptroller of the State House who approves the design as he is the accounting officer,” Duale stated

According to the office of the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, there was a Ksh10.7 billion plan to refurbish state houses and state lodges across the country for a 12-year period ending in June 2027.

Official records indicate that as of September 2024, Ksh3.3 billion had been spent on the renovation works, with the Nairobi project valued at Ksh1.7 billion.

By the same period, Ksh775 million had already been utilised, representing a 44 per cent completion status.

However, records of the Controller of Budget show that no money was spent between June 2024 and December 2024 following the budget cuts instituted by the President after the withdrawal of Finance Bill 2024.

Additionally, Duale dismissed concerns from Kenyans regarding the amount spent on the renovation stating that investigative agencies would be involved in scrutinising the expenditures to ensure accountability.

”Everything that we do including building of the State House is anchored on the law. It is not something pedestrian. It is not in the streets,” Duale added.

”The Auditor General, the Controller of Budget and the EACC will use the law to see where money was lost in the process or a proper work was not done; State House is no different.”