- Gachagua stated that his office in Nairobi, and the Mombasa residence have been neglected for over 15 years.
- The renovations would include his office and official residences in Karen and Mombasa.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Molo MP Kuria Kimani has come to the defence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after an uproar over additional funds to his office in the next financial year.
This is after the office of the Deputy President requested Sh2.6 billion in the 2024-25 financial year.
Speaking on Thursday, the legislator who is also the Chairperson of the National Assembly Finance and Planning Committee said the office of the DP needs to be facilitated to deliver on its mandate.
"The renovations are important because the office of the Deputy President is a constitutional office and that office needs to be properly facilitated to carry on its mandate," he said.
The legislator, however, said that he is optimistic Parliament will prioritise what is important to Kenyans.
"I am very optimistic that Parliament will rise to the occasion and prioritise what is important to Kenyans," he said.
In a statement responding to reports that his office had requested billions of shillings for renovation, the DP said that he had only asked for Sh300 million for the renovations.
The renovations would include his office and official residences in Karen and Mombasa.
Gachagua stated that his office in Nairobi, and the Mombasa residence have been neglected for more than 15 years.
"A request for Sh300 million for the renovation of the Harambee House Annex Office, Official Residence in Karen and the Official Residence in Mombasa," the DP said.
"The Harambee House Annex Office and Mombasa Residence have been neglected over 15 years affecting critical areas of habitability, safety and security."
The Deputy President added that he had only asked for Sh100 million for the purchase of new motor vehicles.
"For the last 10 years, the Office of The Deputy President has heavily relied on old, and refurbished vehicles which are costly to maintain, compromising service delivery," he said.
The documents, presented to the committee for consideration of the 2024-25 Financial Year Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and The 2023/24 Supplementary Estimates No. II, show Sh1.12 billion will be for refurbishment.
The office intends to use Sh460 million and Sh660 million to renovate the Harambee Annex and Karen residences respectively.
The remaining Sh1.48 billion comprises Sh200 million for the acquisition of motor vehicles, Sh250 million for the implementation of an alcohol drugs and substance abuse programme, Sh250 million for the purchase of medals, honours, and insignia and Sh800 million for confidential expenditure.
Other expenditures include Sh247.7 million for catering services, accommodation, gifts, food and drinks, Sh301.5 million for boards, committees, conferences and seminars and Sh2 million for the purchase of staff uniforms and clothing trainees.
Sh17 million for International News Services, Sh205,000 entertainment allowance, Sh33.6 million for transport allowance, Sh205.5 million for house allowance and Sh22 million for overtime for civil service among other expenditures.