The State House has warned of growing encroachment on land surrounding key presidential residences, citing serious security concerns.
Officials briefed lawmakers that several plots adjacent to State Houses and State Lodges nationwide have been illegally occupied or irregularly claimed, complicating efforts to maintain secure perimeters.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Tuesday, State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito confirmed that his office is aware of the situation and is taking measures to address the encroachments.
“While some of the neighboring parcels are legitimately owned, others have been unlawfully acquired,” Metito said, emphasizing that unauthorized developments near State Houses compromise security arrangements and increase vulnerability.
He added that plans are underway to reclaim grabbed land and strengthen perimeter security to ensure full control of all affected areas.
Lawmakers pressed Metito for details on the specific strategies being employed to protect the residences and expressed concern over delays, warning that any inaction could heighten risks.
The committee also raised issues about the condition of several State Houses and Lodges. Inspection visits conducted last year revealed significant infrastructure deterioration, prompting calls for urgent refurbishment. Metito assured MPs that renovation work is already underway at selected facilities, with further upgrades planned.
In addition, he disclosed that plans are being developed to establish a new State House in northern Kenya, aimed at improving government accessibility and regional presence.
Separately, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo told the committee that the government has set up 1,276 administrative units at a cost of Ksh257 million. Omollo said modernisation initiatives have primarily targeted the National Police Service, with reforms scheduled to extend to the Kenya Coast Guard Service.