Speaking during a public engagement, Ruto said parts of the official presidential residence and office were in poor condition and urgently needed repairs.
According to him, the state of the facility was far below what would be expected of such an important national institution.
The President revealed that some sections of State House had serious structural problems, including leaking roofs whenever it rained.
The President revealed that some sections of State House had serious structural problems, including leaking roofs whenever it rained.
He described the place as being in what he called a “jua kali” condition, suggesting that the workmanship and maintenance standards were poor and unfit for the office of the Head of State.
“State House was ‘jua kali’. It used to leak when it rained. How could I work for Kenyans when the place I work looked like that?” Ruto stated, sparking fresh discussion across the country.
He explained that renovation and repair works were later carried out to improve the environment and restore proper standards at the facility.
“State House was ‘jua kali’. It used to leak when it rained. How could I work for Kenyans when the place I work looked like that?” Ruto stated, sparking fresh discussion across the country.
He explained that renovation and repair works were later carried out to improve the environment and restore proper standards at the facility.
According to Ruto, government offices—especially symbolic institutions like State House—must reflect order, dignity, and professionalism because they represent the nation both locally and internationally.
State House Nairobi serves as both the official residence and working office of the President of Kenya. It is also used for high-level government meetings, diplomatic engagements, and important state functions involving local and international leaders.
Ruto’s remarks quickly generated mixed reactions online, with many Kenyans debating whether the renovations were necessary and whether the timing was appropriate given the country’s economic challenges.
Supporters defended the move, arguing that State House had been in use for many years and required proper maintenance to preserve its status and functionality. They insisted that the president needed a suitable working environment to effectively run national affairs.
However, critics questioned the cost of the renovations, especially during a period when many Kenyans were struggling with the high cost of living, taxes, and economic uncertainty. Some argued that public funds should have been prioritized toward urgent social and economic needs.
Ruto did not reveal the full cost of the renovation works during his remarks, leaving room for further public debate.
State House Nairobi serves as both the official residence and working office of the President of Kenya. It is also used for high-level government meetings, diplomatic engagements, and important state functions involving local and international leaders.
Ruto’s remarks quickly generated mixed reactions online, with many Kenyans debating whether the renovations were necessary and whether the timing was appropriate given the country’s economic challenges.
Supporters defended the move, arguing that State House had been in use for many years and required proper maintenance to preserve its status and functionality. They insisted that the president needed a suitable working environment to effectively run national affairs.
However, critics questioned the cost of the renovations, especially during a period when many Kenyans were struggling with the high cost of living, taxes, and economic uncertainty. Some argued that public funds should have been prioritized toward urgent social and economic needs.
Ruto did not reveal the full cost of the renovation works during his remarks, leaving room for further public debate.
Government renovation projects involving major national offices have often attracted attention, particularly when transparency around spending becomes a concern.
As reactions continue to grow, the President’s comments have once again placed government spending and accountability at the center of national conversation.
As reactions continue to grow, the President’s comments have once again placed government spending and accountability at the center of national conversation.
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