Homa Bay State Lodge: 5 Photos of Newly Finished Residence William Ruto Is Using During Trip
- President William Ruto is in Homa Bay county for the 2025 Devolution Conference, operating from the newly built state lodge
- The facility, completed earlier this year ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations, features a presidential residence, staff quarters, and enhanced security
- While many locals welcome the economic and infrastructure boost, the project faced criticism over alleged evictions
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President William Ruto is in Homa Bay county for the 2025 Devolution Conference, and a new state lodge in the county is his base of operations.
Source: Facebook
TUKO.co.ke compiled images of the state lodge, whose construction was marred by controversy.
1. When did the construction of Homa Bay State Lodge begin?
The construction of the Homa Bay State Lodge started earlier in 2025, in anticipation of hosting the Madaraka Day celebrations.
The facility, located next to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, occupies land that had remained largely unused for years.
It is the fifth State Lodge in the Western Kenya region and is expected to elevate the region’s status.
Source: Facebook
2. Features of Homa Bay State Lodge
The compound includes a main residence for the Head of State, auxiliary buildings for staff and security, and modern safety features such as a perimeter wall, razor wire, and electric fencing.
Multiple gates allow access, with the primary entrance connecting to the upgraded Homa Bay–Kendu Bay Road.
Roads leading to key venues, including Raila Odinga Stadium and Tom Mboya University, have also been rehabilitated.
Source: Facebook
3. Will Homa Bay State Lodge benefit locals?
Some residents view the state lodge as a potential driver for local growth.
They anticipate new job opportunities in areas such as maintenance and cleaning.
The improved infrastructure is also expected to attract more visitors and investment into Homa Bay Town, further stimulating economic activity.
Source: Facebook
4. Did Homa Bay State Lodge construction cause evictions?
The development was not without controversy.
Some residents claimed they were forced to vacate their homes without adequate notice to pave the way for the lodge’s expansion.
Source: Facebook
5. Where are other Kenyan state lodges located?
Kenya currently has 10 other State Lodges located in Eldoret, Sagana, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kitale, Rumuruti, Bungoma, Kilifi, Cherang'any, and Kisii.
Unlike State Houses, which serve as the president’s main official residences and administrative hubs in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru, State Lodges function as secondary residences used during official tours and regional engagements.
Source: Facebook
History of Sagana State Lodge
TUKO.co.ke previously compiled photos of the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri county, which holds a unique place in Kenya’s history.
Nestled on the foothills of Mount Kenya, the lodge was originally presented to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 as a wedding gift from the people of Kenya.
Source: UGC
Its significance deepened in 1952 when she received news of her father’s death there, marking her ascension to the throne. In 1963, ownership was transferred to the newly independent Kenyan government.
Over the decades, the lodge has hosted numerous official events and high-level meetings.
Former president Mwai Kibaki oversaw major renovations in 2003, upgrading the facility with modern amenities while preserving its heritage charm.
The grounds feature expansive lawns, landscaped gardens, and a panoramic view of Mount Kenya, offering a serene setting for presidential engagements.
Inside, the main meeting hall is adorned with a wooden ceiling, bright lighting, and a central rectangular table for cabinet sessions, flanked by national and presidential flags.
Additional buildings, covered walkways, and well-maintained paths connect the compound, making Sagana State Lodge both functional and symbolic in Kenya’s political and cultural landscape.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
