The Deputy President’s office is requesting for Ksh. 1.12 billion for renovations at both the Harambee Annex office and the Karen residence.
Outlined in the 2024/2025 budget estimates, the proposal justifies the expenditure by highlighting the deteriorated condition of the existing offices.
In a session with the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, Patrick Mwangi, an officer from the Deputy President’s office, advocated for Ksh. 460.4 million to revamp the Harambee Annex offices, and an additional Ksh. 660 million for the renovation of the Karen residence.
The Gabriel Tongoyo-led committee expressed surprise during the vote, questioning the Deputy President’s rationale behind the substantial renovation budget amidst calls for austerity measures and reduction of expenditure by public offices.
“Please tell us more about the renovations of the said offices because we have seen an allocation of Ksh. 300.4 million. I know we have a few issues there like lifts not working but this figure is too big yet the building is not even ten years old,” stated Tongoyo.
Mwangi defended the proposed expenditure stating that the buildings had been neglected for an extended period.
“The continuous lack of maintenance has necessitated a face lift targeting major functional areas and security systems of the building,” he explained.
“In the financial year 2024/2025 annual estimates, the office has an allocation of Ksh. 300.4 million under the development vote.”
The DP’s office is also asking for Ksh. 250 million to lead efforts in combating alcohol and substance abuse.
The committee members were informed that the allocation had already been withdrawn under Article 223, which permits the government to use funds outside the budget, with parliamentary approval sought for regularization.
Mwangi demonstrated to the committee that alcohol and substance abuse had evolved into a national security concern, necessitating collaboration with other offices, including that of the Deputy President’s Spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
“The fight against alcohol and drug abuse has taken on a life of its own, it has a strong relationship between reduction and control of alcoholism,” he told the committee.
