Government Gazettes New State Lodge in Nyanza

The government has officially declared the Homa Bay County Commissioner’s residence a State Lodge, expanding the network of presidential residences outside Nairobi.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen signed Gazette Notice No. 7097 on May 12, 2026, designating the residence as a State Lodge with immediate effect.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declare Homa Bay County Commissioner’s Residence as a State Lodge as from the date of this publication,” the notice reads.

The move brings the total number of State Lodges in Kenya to at least 12.

Role and Locations of Kenyan State Houses and Lodges

State Lodges serve as official residences for the President during visits outside Nairobi and Mombasa.

They allow for meetings, rest, and security coordination while the Head of State conducts regional duties.

Homa Bay joins Bungoma and Kwale, which Murkomen gazetted as State Lodges in April 2025 ahead of national celebrations.

Other active lodges include Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, Nyeri’s Sagana, Kitale, Rumuruti, and Cherang’any.

The Sagana lodge holds historical significance as a former royal residence gifted to the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in 1947.

Also Read: Did Kibaki Administration Shelter Rwanda Genocide Suspect Félicien Kabuga?

Kenya currently maintains three State Houses in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru.

State House, Nairobi, built in 1907 as Government House, remains the official seat, though presidents often operate from private residences.

State House Nakuru, served as Jomo Kenyatta’s preferred retreat, while Mombasa State House handles coastal engagements.

Also Read: Ruto Orders Demolition of State House Wall

State House and Lodge Refurbishment and Land Grabbing Challenges

The government has earmarked Ksh 1.55 billion for the refurbishment of State Houses and Lodges in the 2024-25 financial year, with Ksh 953 million set aside for lodges alone.

Officials say the upgrades aim to maintain facilities to support presidential functions effectively.

State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito has flagged land grabbing as a challenge at several facilities, including Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

He told Parliament that 100 acres at Kakamega State Lodge had been reclaimed but urged faster action to protect other properties.

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Photo of State House Nairobi. PHOTO/State House