Lawmakers are pressing State House to take immediate action to reclaim lands belonging to state lodges that have allegedly been illegally occupied, warning that delays could embolden further encroachment.
The call came during the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee hearings on the 2026 Budget Policy Statement, where it was revealed that properties meant for official use have been gradually taken over by private entities and public officials.
State House Comptroller Katoo ole Metito highlighted Kisumu and Nakuru lodges as the most affected.
In Kisumu, a housing unit within the state lodge compound is reportedly occupied by a nominated MCA, while another portion has been taken over by the county government.
“We visited Kisumu and despite the renovations, there were many land disputes. One part had been taken away by the county government and one house was occupied by a nominated MCA,” said committee chairman and Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo.
Concerns were also raised about a building next to Nakuru State House.
“The security experts advised that the Nakuru building adjacent to the Nakuru State House may not be fit to be there.”
Metito told lawmakers that the problem is widespread.
“Almost all these state lodges have been encroached but Kisumu and Nakuru are more pronounced,” Katoo said.
He added that part of Kisumu State Lodge is being used by the Kenya Wildlife Service as a sanctuary. Meanwhile, 100 acres of Kakamega State Lodge that had been grabbed have since been reclaimed.
Lawmakers said the developments suggest possible illegal occupation of government property and urged State House Nairobi to move swiftly to secure and repossess all affected land.
Suna West MP Peter Masara called for a full audit of all state lodges to determine their status and recover any property unlawfully acquired.
“For lands, you can forego everything and reclaim those parcels. Prevention is better than cure,” Masara said.
The State House Comptroller also said Sh1.03 billion has been set aside for renovation of lodges and state houses nationwide. Thirteen projects are planned to restore and maintain infrastructure across the facilities.
Documents presented show that State House Nairobi will receive Sh452.5 billion in the 2026–27 Budget Policy Statement. Mombasa State House renovations are projected at Sh201.1 million, while Nakuru State House works have a total cost of Sh875 million, with Sh424.44 million already spent and Sh98.7 million proposed for the next fiscal year.
Eldoret State Lodge is set to get Sh88.5 million for upgrades, while Kisumu State House renovations are estimated at Sh30.1 million for 2026–27. Lawmakers emphasized that protecting the land is as important as funding the refurbishment projects to avoid further loss of public assets.
