The government has gazetted the Homa Bay County Commissioner’s residence as a State Lodge, marking a significant upgrade in its status and function.

According to Gazette Notice No. 7097, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, declared the property a State Lodge for public use and official government functions.

The notice states that the Homa Bay County Commissioner’s residence in Homa Bay County will assume its new status immediately from the date of publication.

“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Homa Bay County Commissioner’s Residence as a State Lodge as from the date of this publication,” the Gazette notice read.

While the gazette notice does not outline specific renovations or administrative changes tied to the upgrade, State Lodges in Kenya are typically reserved for high-level government meetings, official hospitality, and secure accommodation for visiting dignitaries.

Other state lodges

The declaration comes a year after CS Murkomen gazetted two new state lodges in the country.

In a notice dated Thursday, April 17, 2025, Murkomen gazetted the Bungoma County Commissioner’s official residence as a state lodge.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary also gazetted the Kwale County Commissioner’s official residence as a state lodge.

This means any head of state, including President William Ruto, can now host official duties in Bungoma and Kwale. The two will be controlled by the State House Comptroller’s office, ensuring the head of state is accorded the required hospitality when holding meetings in the two counties.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares the Bungoma County Commissioner and Kwale County Commissioner’s official residences as State Lodges,” the notice read.

Why the need for State Lodge

State Lodges in Kenya are official government residences or properties designated for use by the President and senior government officials during official functions, retreats, or travels.

These lodges are strategically located in various regions and are typically maintained by the government, specifically the State House Comptroller’s office.