State House, the official residence of Kenya’s President, has undergone a significant transformation, trading its iconic colonial-era design for a more modern aesthetic. The renovation, which has taken over two years to complete, is marked by a striking white flat roof, replacing the traditional tiled roof that once defined the House on the Hill. This change was first unveiled in photos released on January 25, during a state reception for Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the visiting President of Guinea-Bissau.
While the revamped look may seem sleek and contemporary, the reaction from Kenyans has been far from unanimous. Many are expressing their displeasure with the new design, with some even describing it as a “monstrosity.” A common critique is the loss of the traditional, familiar colonial style that symbolized the country’s heritage. One Twitter user questioned the appropriateness of altering such a prominent public building, asking, “How can a tenant modify a house they do not technically own?”
Others have taken to social media to compare the new look of State House to that of the White House, noting the striking resemblance between the two. “What in the White House monstrosity is this?!” tweeted one critic, referring to the President’s recent state visit to the U.S. Some argue that the design change is an attempt to emulate Western standards of power and prestige.
However, not all reactions have been negative. There are those who welcome the new design, pointing out that the old State House had become outdated and “drab.” “The old State House was ugly and boring anyway. This new look is welcome. We’re in 2025, and we have to align with the tastes and trends of the new world,” one commenter stated. Supporters of the renovation argue that modernizing such an important symbol of the Kenyan presidency was long overdue.
The renovations are part of a larger effort to revamp government buildings across the country, with a total budget of Ksh.11.5 billion allocated for 13 projects, including upgrades to State Houses and State Lodges. Of this, Ksh.1.7 billion is earmarked for the refurbishment of State House, Nairobi, over the next three years, with Ksh.250 million dedicated to this year’s budget.
As Kenya moves into 2025, the debate over State House’s new look reflects a broader conversation about balancing tradition with modernity in national symbols. Whether the new design will be embraced or remembered as a controversial chapter remains to be seen.
