Eight years and Shs. 383 million later, the palatial
home that would the vice presidents now stands magnificently, expectantly
awaiting its first occupant to enjoy its luxuries and comforts. Sitting atop
10-acre lush green grass in Nairobi’s Karen area, the official residence for
the VP was officially unveiled by president Kibaki today in a function attended
by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka among other dignitaries.
Despite being marred by controversies and delays,
the residence promises its occupant total luxury, it has spacious bedrooms for
VP, his family and guests. This includes a master bedroom, three children’s
bedrooms and two guest wings in the main house.
The VP’s bathroom has a classy Jacuzzi as well as
shower cubicle that allows soft, calming music to filter in as the VP’s enjoys
a shower or a leisurely bath. There is also a separate guesthouse to
accommodate visiting dignitaries. The ground floor of the posh house has a
library, washrooms and another visitor’s bedroom complete with a Jacuzzi and a
shower cubicle.
The first floor houses the living room, two bedrooms
for children and the VP’s. The VP’s vehicles and those of his visitors will be
parked in a garage capable of holding at least six cars attached to the main
house. The complex also has an office block, which consists of the VP’s office,
a board room, press center, interpreter’s room, lounge and caretaker’s office.
The comptroller’s block has several offices,
bedrooms and a study room. It also has six security rooms, a common sitting
room and kitchen and an armory whose walls are reinforced with steel. All the
floor finishing comprises of high – quality marble, while the doors are made of
dark hardwood.
The manicured lush gardens at the back of the house
will be a perfect venue for official functions such as dinners, luncheons and
cocktails.
The expansive office block can accommodate all staff
working in the VP’s office. Today, Kalonzo would not confirm if he would move
into his new official home. “I am sure everyone now wants to be a running mate
of some of the presidential candidates so they can end up occupying this
wonderful facility.” He joked. He also admitted that even if he moves in, he
may not utilize some of the house’s facilities such as the large swimming pool
as he cannot swim.
Unfortunately, even if the current VP wanted to move
in tomorrow, he wouldn’t since the complex is still being furnished. This is
expected to take several weeks and millions more shillings taking the total
budget to over Shs. 400 Million.
Kalonzo said the imposing residence would not only
boost the country’s image, but also cut the huge costs of hosting visiting
foreign dignitaries, especially VPs. In his speech, the president said the
residence couldn’t have come at a better time, saying the VP will now have a
convenient location from which to serve Kenyans.
“We have not had an official residence for the VP;
the government has had to renovate the personal residences of those appointed
to the position of VP, mainly to upgrade security.” Said Kibaki. He added: “to
avoid the inconveniences and recurrent expenditures associated with this
approach, we took the strategic decision to construct this official residence.”
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