Amid the wrangles in the G7 group, there is at least one place where the Vice President is being awaited with bated breath – and that is at his new house put up by the Government in Karen.
The residence is partially ready for occupation but a parliamentary watchdog is raising key questions about the money spent on it.
It is emerging that the project will cost the taxpayer an extra 200 million shillings above the budgeted figure. However.The contractor says the VP is free to move into the office section as soon as next week.
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Kenya’s official residence for the Deputy President, located in Karen, Nairobi, was completed in 2012 at a cost of approximately KSh 400 million (about $3.2 million USD).
The residence spans 10 acres and includes a main house, office block, guesthouse, swimming pool, gym, gazebo, garage, and staff quarters. It also features a security unit with an armoury, a borehole, and a water treatment plant .
Initially, the project faced delays and cost overruns. The original contractor was dismissed due to poor workmanship, and a new contractor was hired, leading to a significant increase in the project’s cost.
Despite its completion, the residence has faced maintenance challenges. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua reported that the house was in a dilapidated state due to lack of maintenance, including issues like a leaking roof and broken facilities. As a result, he has opted to reside in his private home instead.
Currently, the government is undertaking a renovation project for the residence, with an allocated budget of KSh 600 million (approximately $4.8 million USD) to address the maintenance issues and make the property habitable .
