Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. [PHOTO: INTERIOR MINISTRY X]Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that renovating the 42-year-old Nyayo House will cost the Kenyan taxpapeyers Sh245 million.
Speaking before the Senate on Wednesday, Murkomen stated that due to the government’s ongoing austerity measures, the necessary funds are not immediately available.
He explained that the State Department for Public Works, engaged by his ministry to assess the required maintenance, prepared a Bill of Quantities amounting to Sh244,831,860.
“They provided the Ministry with a Bill of Quantities totaling Sh244,831,860, but unfortunately, the Ministry does not have the funds at the moment,” Murkomen said.
In response to a question from nominated Senator Hamida
Kibwana, Murkomen outlined that the refurbishment would include internal and
external painting, as well as electrical and mechanical works, including lift
repairs.
The CS further noted that Sh70 million had been allocated in the 2024/25 financial budget for the renovation of ministry offices at Nyayo House.
However, the National Treasury reallocated the funds due to ongoing austerity measures.
“We hope the National Treasury will eventually disburse the funds to facilitate the planned renovations,” he added.
Commissioned 42 years ago, Nyayo House currently
accommodates more than 58 national and county government departments, offering
various services to citizens, particularly immigration services.
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services occupies most of the floors in Nyayo House.
Murkomen assured that all floors used by the department are being refurbished to enhance service delivery and provide a better working environment for staff and clients.
According to the CS, the 23rd-floor offices, which house the Principal Secretary, along with the 22nd, 23rd, and 17th floors that accommodate the Directorate of e-Citizen Services, have already been renovated with modern furnishings and IT infrastructure.
Additionally, the service lobby on the ground floor, where passport applications and issuance are handled, has been fully renovated and expanded to better serve the public.
“Plans are underway to renovate offices on the 3rd, 4th, and 8th floors, as well as refurbish all washrooms on floors occupied by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services,” Murkomen stated.
Senator Hamida had expressed concern over the deteriorating state of Nyayo House in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), particularly its impact on the efficient delivery of services.
She inquired whether there are immediate plans to renovate the building and what measures the government has put in place to ensure both the public and government officials working there have access to adequate facilities, including clean water, sanitary amenities, and a conducive work environment.
Additionally, she sought clarification on whether there was a budgetary allocation for the renovation of Nyayo House in the 2024/25 financial year and, if so, the specific amount allocated.
