President William Ruto has defended the ongoing remodelling of State House Nairobi following widespread ridicule and criticism from Kenyans over the building’s new appearance and the cost of the renovations.
The refurbishment works, which transformed the iconic State House from its traditional colonial-style red-tiled roof into a modern flat-roof structure, have sparked heated debate across social media.
While some Kenyans praised the facelift as modern and unique, others mocked the design, comparing it to a high-end hotel, nightclub, shopping mall, or entertainment lounge rather than the official residence of the Kenyan president.
The criticism intensified after fresh images of the renovated building circulated online, prompting thousands of reactions from Kenyans questioning why the government was spending heavily on renovations at a time when many citizens are grappling with the high cost of living, increased taxes, and economic hardships.
Addressing the controversy, Ruto insisted the renovations were necessary because the building had significantly deteriorated by the time he took office in 2022.
“I found a leaking roof and rotten timber at State House,” Ruto said while defending the remodelling works.
The president argued that maintaining key national institutions should not be viewed as extravagance, saying leaders must ensure important public facilities remain functional and dignified.
“A father who tells neighbours he will build a six-lane highway, while at home your own roof is leaking,” Ruto remarked as he defended the upgrades.
According to the government, the renovations were not merely cosmetic but also aimed at improving security, functionality, and structural integrity.
Reports indicate that sections of the roof, walls, and supporting timber had weakened over the years, forcing authorities to undertake extensive repairs and redesigns.
The State House renovations reportedly began in 2023 and have included replacement of the traditional tarmac courtyard with cabro paving, installation of modern lighting systems, redesigning sections of the compound, and construction of a new presidential dais for official ceremonies.
However, the transformation has not gone down well with some heritage conservationists and architects.
The Architectural Association of Kenya previously criticized the redesign, arguing that State House is a historical and symbolic landmark whose original architectural identity should have been preserved.
Critics on social media also accused the government of prioritizing luxury projects while ordinary Kenyans continue to struggle economically.
Others questioned the amount of public money allocated toward the renovations, with previous reports indicating that hundreds of millions of shillings had been budgeted for upgrades and modernization projects linked to State House.
Despite the backlash and online ridicule, Ruto has remained firm, maintaining that the remodelling is part of broader efforts to modernize government infrastructure and ensure the presidential residence remains secure and suitable for future administrations.
The debate surrounding the new-look State House continues to divide Kenyans, with supporters viewing the changes as a symbol of modernization while critics see the redesign as unnecessary extravagance during difficult economic times.
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