Gachagua’s Office and Karen Residence Refurbishment Paused As Budget Cuts Kick In
The planned refurbishment of the Deputy President’s Office and the Karen residence has been halted due to budget revisions for 2024/2025.
According to the revised Programme Based Budget, the government will not fund the office and residence’s refurbishment and maintenance.
It was noted that the revisions were made following a Ksh1.8 billion reduction in the budget for the Office of the Deputy President.
The budget cuts follow the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2023, which was expected to generate an additional Ksh300 billion for the budget.
Following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, President William Ruto announced that the government would implement austerity measures.
As a result, refurbishments and maintenance work at government buildings have been suspended.
Notably, the refurbishment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s official residence was set to cost Ksh600 million.
Part of the funds had already been disbursed in the previous fiscal year. The funds were to be distributed over four years.
Earlier, after entering the office, Gachagua explained that the official residence had major flaws such as a leaking roof and broken furniture.
“The official residence of the Deputy President was in bad shape when I became Deputy President. The rooftop was leaking, the borehole pump was broken down, and the house was totally in bad shape.
“Even if I would want to move into the DP’s residence, that place is inhabitable. I found Ruto staying in a house where the roof is leaking. They had even moved to a corner of the house together with the wife,” Gachagua stated during a past media interview.
Similarly, following President William Ruto’s directive, the budget allocated to the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President has been eliminated.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi was scheduled to receive Ksh557 million this fiscal year.
Gachagua’s Office and Karen Residence Refurbishment Paused As Budget Cuts Kick In
