
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi defended the budget allocation for renovations at State House, stating that the building has been neglected for years. He addressed criticism regarding the spending by emphasizing the broader responsibilities of the presidency and the need to restore key government facilities. Mbadi noted that parts of State House are deteriorating, with leaks that he deemed embarrassing for a nation that frequently hosts international dignitaries.
AI summary. Verify with the original source.
Read full story at Nairobi Wire ↗
Listen
Unlock audio summaries, audio summaries, AI chat, Wikipedia facts, and ad-free reading.
$3.99 / month · cancel anytime
Go PremiumBackground facts
Unlock wikipedia facts, audio summaries, AI chat, Wikipedia facts, and ad-free reading.
$3.99 / month · cancel anytime
Go PremiumSimilar stories

Mbadi defended the sale of Safaricom's stake, stating that the proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure projects rather than the budget. He responded to opposition criticism by asserting that the divestiture was a planned policy decision made in compliance with the law, following the Court of Appeal's lifting of conservatory orders that had previously paused the transaction.
Capital FM (KE)·July 4, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of orchestrating a "looting spree" through the newly proposed supplementary budget for 2025/26, alleging a diversion of Ksh 6.2 billion. Gachagua, a prominent critic of Ruto's government, claims the funds will be funneled through various government offices, including State House and the National Intelligence Service, disguised as maintenance and operations expenses.
Nairobi Wire Politics·June 20, 2026 at 3:49 AM
A contract to widen 1.4 kilometers of road at the Port of Mombasa has escalated into a costly project, costing Sh8.3 billion, funded by taxpayers. The expenses include luxury items such as air-conditioned offices, diesel SUVs, and a Sh1.89 billion contingency fund, which a commercial lawyer suggests may conceal human intervention. Managing Director Captain William Ruto is under scrutiny due to a separate Sh31.2 billion procurement petition and a Sh1.9 billion discrepancy raised in Parliament.
Kenya Insights·July 3, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Kenyan diplomatic missions in London and New York utilized Sh1.1 billion for upgrades, representing over 60 percent of the Sh1.78 billion allocated by the State Department for Foreign Affairs on diplomatic properties in the first nine months of the 2025/26 financial year, according to Eastleigh Voice.
Eastleigh Voice·June 25, 2026 at 6:45 AM
Waziri wa Ujenzi, Abdallah Ulega, amesema Serikali inatumia mikopo nafuu ili kuharakisha maendeleo ya miundombinu ya kisasa nchini, ikiwemo barabara na viwanja vya ndege. Katika mchango wake kuhusu Bajeti ya Serikali ya mwaka 2026/2027 bungeni, Ulega alisisitiza kuwa mikopo hiyo imeleta matokeo makubwa yanayoonekana kwa wananchi, akipinga kauli za baadhi ya viongozi kuhusu suala hilo.
Habari Leo·June 23, 2026 at 7:47 AMCongressional Democrats have initiated calls for investigations into the ongoing renovations of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is part of a $16 million rehabilitation project facing significant issues. The situation has been a focal point of media attention, prompting lawmakers in both the House and Senate to seek clarity on the matter, while the White House has attributed the problems to various factors.
AP Top News·June 25, 2026 at 6:53 AM