Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has provided clarity on the entities responsible for State House's new design and the approval process involved.

In an interview on Sunday, February 3, the CS stated that the architectural and engineering aspects of the renovation were undertaken by professionals from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). 

Additionally, Duale further clarified that the design received approval from the Controller of State House. 

"The architect in State House and the engineers are from the Kenya Defence Forces. The Controller of State House approves the design. Everything that we do including the building of State House is anchored in law, it is not something pedestrian, it is not in the streets," he said.

Duale also mentioned that the renovation was long overdue and should have been undertaken during previous administrations.

He said the upgrades were necessary to maintain the integrity of the country's highest office and reflect Kenya’s image both locally and internationally.

"This State House was supposed to have this facelift not even during President Uhuru Kenyatta, it should have had a second and third facelift during President Kibaki. What we don’t want to spend too much money on is those that are not important to the citizens. The seat of the President is the face of the country, it’s like the airport," he stated.

On Monday, January 27, President William Ruto unveiled State House's new look while hosting his Guinea Bissau counterpart Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

The renovation replaced its traditional colonial-era tiled roofing with a modern flat roof design and a fresh white paint job. 

Public reactions to the new design have been mixed. Some Kenyans appreciate the modernization, viewing it as a necessary update to align with current architectural trends.

However, many have expressed dissatisfaction, criticizing the renovation for altering a historical landmark. 

Critics argue that such significant modifications should be legally restricted to preserve the nation's heritage.