The Deputy President's Office is asking Ksh.1.12 billion to renovate his Harambee Annex office and Karen house.
The Deputy President's office defended the proposed investment in the 2024/2025 budget projections, citing the offices' age and deteriorating condition.
Patrick Mwangi, an officer from the DP's office, spoke before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, requesting permission to spend Ksh.460.4 million renovating the Harambee Annex offices and another Ksh.660 million refurbishing the Karen residence.
In a decision that threw the Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo-led committee off guard, members wondered why the DP sought large sums of money for repairs despite requests to cut public spending.
“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.
Conversely, Mwangi justified the anticipated spending, claiming that the structure had been neglected for far too long.
"The continuous lack of maintenance has necessitated a face lift targeting major functional areas and security systems of the building," he said.
"In the financial year 2024/2025 annual estimates, the office has an allocation of Ksh.300.4 million under the development vote."
The Deputy President's office also requests Ksh.250 million to help lead the fight against alcohol and drug misuse.
During the hearing, members were informed that the funds had already been removed by Article 223, which permits the government to spend funds outside of the budget but subsequently seek regularisation in Parliament.
