Major State House projects across Kenya, with a combined budget of Sh7.82 billion, are moving slowly, with average progress barely above 20 per cent, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o has disclosed.
In her November 2025 National Government Budget Implementation Review Report covering the 2025/26 financial year, Nyakang’o pointed to weak preparation and planning by the agencies in charge as the main reason for the delays.
She warned that these lapses could increase costs for taxpayers due to contract changes and penalties.
The report, presented to Parliament, indicates that by September 30, 2025, Sh2.1 billion had been spent on the projects. Many of these works began as far back as July 1, 2015, with an anticipated finish date of June 30, 2027.
“The implementation status reports revealed different levels of completion rates with the lowest recording one per cent,” Nyakang’o said, adding that the highest reached 47 per cent despite the projects running for over ten years.
She stressed, “The delays highlight the critical need for strategic planning and prioritisation to ensure timely project completion,” pointing out that Kakamega State Lodge refurbishments remain “merely 20 per cent complete.”
State House, Nyakang’o noted, is vital in helping the President carry out constitutional responsibilities, making timely completion of these projects critical. Some of the main projects lagging behind include:
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Nairobi State House: Refurbishment started on July 1, 2015, costing Sh1.8 billion, with expected completion by June 30, 2027. By September 30, 2025, Sh775.7 million had been spent, achieving 44 per cent completion.
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Specialised equipment and machinery: Launched on July 1, 2015, for Sh422 million, progress was at 47 per cent with Sh199 million spent by September 30, 2025.
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Eldoret State Lodge: Renovations of Sh926.6 million started on July 1, 2016, but only five per cent had been completed, with Sh47.1 million spent.
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Sagana State Lodge: Upgrades costing Sh388.8 million began on July 1, 2016, reaching 27 per cent completion after using Sh106.9 million.
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Mombasa State House: Work on the fence and main house started July 1, 2016, for Sh1.4 billion. By September 30, 2025, 30 per cent of the work had been completed using Sh418.2 million.
Nyakang’o called for urgent action to prioritise and plan these projects properly to avoid further delays and additional costs for taxpayers. She emphasised that strategic oversight is essential for effective use of public resources and to meet timelines.
