By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, July 13, 2026 - President William Ruto has defended the ongoing renovations at State House, saying the facelift is intended to preserve one of Kenya's most important national institutions rather than improve his personal residence.
Responding to criticism over the extensive refurbishment of the historic building, the President said State House belongs to the people of Kenya and should be maintained to serve future generations.
"This is not my building. This is not my house. This is not my office. This is the address of the Republic of Kenya, and it is here for posterity," Ruto said on Monday while hosting leaders from Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
The President said the renovation became necessary after years of neglect left parts of the State House complex in poor condition.
According to Ruto, some buildings had leaking roofs while essential facilities, including toilets, had deteriorated and required urgent repairs.
He also argued that there was nothing unusual about modernising a building that has stood for more than six decades.
"The house was built by the British people 60 years ago. You want to tell us that 60 years later we have no ideas on how to make it better? So we are improving," he said.
Ruto maintained that preserving State House is part of a broader effort to strengthen national institutions rather than an investment for the current occupant.
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"We are not just improving this building here. We are not improving the State House. We are improving the country," he added.
The renovation of Nairobi State House, which began in late 2023, is the most extensive overhaul of the landmark building in decades. The project includes replacing the building's iconic red-tiled roof with a modern flat-roof design, a move that has sparked widespread public debate over the preservation of its historic architecture and the timing of the upgrades.
Originally designed by British architect Sir Herbert Baker during the colonial era as Government House, the building became State House after Kenya gained independence in 1963 and has since served as the official residence and office of the President.
The refurbishment has attracted criticism from some Kenyans, who have questioned the cost and priority of the project amid economic challenges.
However, Ruto has consistently defended the works, saying he found parts of the complex in a state of disrepair when he took office. Earlier this year, he revealed that some sections leaked whenever it rained, while others required frequent repairs.
The President has also defended other changes at State House, including the construction of a chapel within the compound, insisting it would be financed by him and his friends rather than taxpayers. He has further argued that opening State House to ordinary Kenyans has made the institution more accessible, saying the official residence should not be reserved solely for visiting dignitaries and senior government officials.