The Deputy President’s office is now requesting a budget allocation of Ksh.1.12 billion to undertake renovations at both the Harambee Annex office and the Karen residence, as outlined in the 2024/2025 budget estimates.
In defense of the proposed expenditure, officials from the Deputy President’s office emphasized the dire state of the existing infrastructure, citing age and dilapidation as primary concerns.
During a session with the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, Patrick Mwangi, representing the Deputy President’s office, detailed plans to allocate Ksh.460.4 million for renovations at the Harambee Annex offices and an additional Ksh.660 million for refurbishing the Karen residence. This request raised eyebrows among committee members, including Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who questioned the substantial funding amidst calls for austerity measures in public expenditure.
Tongoyo queried the necessity of such a significant budget allocation, especially considering that the buildings were relatively young. He highlighted specific concerns such as malfunctioning lifts but expressed skepticism regarding the scale of the proposed expenditure.
In response, Mwangi justified the expenditure, attributing the need for renovations to prolonged neglect of maintenance. He stressed the imperative of a comprehensive facelift targeting essential functional areas and security systems within the buildings.
“For the financial year 2024/2025, the office has allocated Ksh.300.4 million for development purposes,” Mwangi clarified.
Additionally, the Deputy President’s office is seeking Ksh.250 million to lead efforts in combating alcohol and substance abuse, citing it as a significant national security concern. Mwangi informed the committee that this funding had already been withdrawn under Article 223, which permits government spending outside the budget, with subsequent parliamentary approval sought for regularization.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, Mwangi underscored the collaborative efforts involving various offices, including that of the Deputy President’s spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, in addressing the pervasive challenges posed by alcohol and substance abuse.
“The battle against alcohol and drug abuse is of paramount importance, with profound implications for the reduction and control of addiction,” Mwangi emphasized during the committee hearing.
