MPs Debate Nakuru State House Relocation Plans

Members of the National Assembly are divided over proposals to relocate Nakuru State House, with lawmakers citing severe congestion, lack of expansion space and the changing status of Nakuru as a major regional city.

The debate emerged during a session of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on National Administration and Internal Security as State House Comptroller Dr Katoo Ole Metito appeared before legislators to defend the proposed 2026/2027 State House budget estimates and appropriations.

Nakuru County Woman Representative Liza Chelule led calls for the relocation of the facility, arguing that the current State House no longer reflects the dignity and stature expected of a modern State residence.

“The State House is in a very poor position and condition, considering it is just next to the main road to Nairobi,” Chelule told the committee.

MPs Raise Concerns Over Congestion

The lawmaker argued that the current facility, situated along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway and surrounded by high-rise developments, faces significant infrastructural challenges that make any meaningful expansion nearly impossible.

“I am proposing that Nakuru, being a city now, we can get more than 100 acres and relocate so that we come up with the right structures that reflect the stature and dignity of State House,” she said.

Chelule maintained that continued investment in the present location would only deepen congestion problems and fail to address the long-term needs of the growing city.

“It is not in the right position. It is squeezed between tall buildings and there is no room for expansion. I think we need to do something different and relocate completely from that place,” she added.

Committee chairperson and Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo acknowledged the concerns raised over the State House location, saying lawmakers had previously deliberated on the matter.

“Of course, they are the rightful owners, and the issue of space remains a challenge,” Tongoyo said.

Budget Allocations Spark Debate

Despite acknowledging the congestion concerns, Tongoyo pointed out that the current budget had already allocated Ksh 100 million for renovation and refurbishment of State Houses and State lodges across the country.

He proposed that part of the allocation could be utilised to improve facilities at Nakuru State House while discussions on possible relocation continue.

“Out of the Ksh 100 million allocation, we can at least improve that pavilion as we continue discussions on acquiring land or relocating the facility,” he stated.

The legislator specifically proposed renovation of a pavilion previously used by former President Daniel arap Moi to host delegations.

However, Chelule opposed the proposal, insisting that cosmetic renovations would not address the structural and logistical problems facing the current compound.

“We need to get out of that place. Even if we are going to do a pavilion within that space, we are doing completely nothing. Let’s move out of that place,” she said.

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State House Comptroller Defends Current Plans

State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito defended the government’s approach, telling MPs that several State House facilities nationwide face similar infrastructural limitations and that expansion projects remain extremely expensive.

“It is very expensive. You can imagine the noise this country is making when we are just doing one facility. Suppose we picked three in one financial year,” Dr Metito said.

He explained that the government had prioritised renovations at State House Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret because of their deteriorating condition and pressing infrastructural needs.

“The problem we are having is that most of these facilities are very old. Some, like Mombasa, have very limited room for expansion,” he noted.

On Nakuru State House specifically, the Comptroller admitted that expansion remained difficult due to the presence of legitimate private landowners surrounding the compound.

“We also want to expand Nakuru, but there is very little space. The people around are genuine landowners, so we can only engage them to see whether they are willing to sell,” he said.

Dr Metito further disclosed that the government had already acquired three additional acres in Eldoret from a willing seller, with the expenditure included in the current budget cycle.

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Staffing Concerns and Budget Defense

The Comptroller also addressed concerns raised by Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ng’elechei regarding staffing expenditure reductions within State House operations.

According to Dr Metito, the reductions were linked to the expiry of contracts for nearly 500 employees working under fixed-term arrangements.

“Employee salaries have not been affected, but almost 80 per cent of the people working in State House are on contract basis,” he explained.

He added that gratuity payments amounting to Ksh 127 million for the affected workers had already been provided for in the 2025/2026 financial year budget.

Sotik MP Francis Sigei defended the State House budget and cautioned lawmakers against allowing public criticism to interfere with funding allocations.

“We should not succumb to negative publicity. State House is a national image and we must give it enough resources for proper functioning,” Sigei said.

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