For the last two years, the famous wooden door at State House Nairobi, with its semi-circular transom window above it, and the milk-white pillars in front, have not featured in images from the seat of power.
It is because President William Ruto had paused engagements at the House on the Hill to pave the way for renovations that have cost taxpayers billions of shillings.
Most activities and announcements have been happening at the pavilion, located about 150 metres east of the main building. The pavilion was Dr Ruto’s project, having been constructed during his first year in office.
President William Ruto meets European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger at State House, Nairobi, on February 24, 2026.
Photo credit: PCS
It is from the pavilion that Dr Ruto announced the deaths of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (October 2025) and Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla (April 2024). It is also from there that he addressed the nation on the day Parliament was raided by protesters (June 2024) and during the swearing in of the most recent additions to his Cabinet (April 2025).
The pavilion’s door, also with a wooden finish, is wider but does not have a semi-circular window above it. It would open dramatically when the President was emerging to commence one event or another.
Now, without fanfare or announcement, Dr Ruto is back in the main building. A check of the President’s social media posts reveals that from about February 20, he has been conducting activities in the main building. His February 20 meeting with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate for Isiolo South Constituency, Mr Tubi Mohamed Tubi, was held inside the main structure.
President William Ruto (right) and Global Centre on Adaptation Chairman Macky Sall at State House Nairobi, on February 24, 2026.
Photo credit: PCS
On Tuesday, when Dr Ruto hosted Global Centre on Adaptation Chairman Macky Sall, who is also the former president of Senegal, photos shared revealed the changes at the front-facing side of the State House, revealing lavish marble flooring with a floral pattern.
The main building’s roof has also been remodelled, with the traditional red tile roof invisible. The two front-facing porches in the older structure have also been merged.
Mr Wanjohi Githae, the public communications director at State House, told Nation that the pavilion will still be in use.
“Yes, the President has moved back to the main house,” said Mr Githae. “In 2023, the government built the state pavilion where the president has operated from since 2024 to allow major renovations in the old building built in 1906 and extended by President Moi in the mid-1980s.”
“The President has not abandoned the state pavilion, but he will use it and the main house interchangeably,” added Mr Githae.
Dr Ruto’s redesign of the building, conceptualised in the early 1900s by famed English architect Herbert Baker, attracted criticism from heritage lovers.
The Architectural Association of Kenya said last year that it was unwise to alter structures of cultural and historical significance.
“The design alterations have diminished the recognition of State House,” it said in a statement.
State House, Nairobi
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
He added that Dr Ruto’s reshaping of an architectural masterpiece “speaks volumes about our collective regard for heritage”.
In March 2025, State House Comptroller Katoo ole Metito told lawmakers that the renovations were necessary as State House Nairobi had not been renovated “for 117 years”.
In the 2025-26 budget, renovation of State House Nairobi was allocated Sh680.7 million.
