State House (Kenya)
Encyclopedia
State House is the official residence of the President
of Kenya
. It was originally known as Government House
. This building was built in 1907 in Nairobi
to serve as the official residence
of the Governor
of British East Africa when Kenya
was a British Colony.
The governor would conduct his official functions at the old Provincial Commissioner’s office (now a national monument) next to Nyayo House and then retire to Government House for the day.
After independence, Government House was renamed State House. Although it remained the official residence of the Head of State
, in practice it became an administrative or operational office occasionally providing accommodation to visiting State guests and receptions on National Days. This scenario has prevailed to-date with the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta
and President Moi preferring private residence as opposed to living in State House.
State House in Nairobi stands on a 3 square kilometre piece of land. It is a 10 minute drive from the city centre. Other than the Nairobi one, there are other State Houses and Lodges scattered around the country to provide accommodation to the Head of State whenever he is touring various parts of the country.
Heads of state of Kenya
-Heads of State of Kenya :-Affiliations:*KANU - Kenya African National Union*PNU - Party of National Unity-Latest election:-See also:*List of colonial heads of Kenya*Kenya**Heads of Government of Kenya**Vice-Presidents of Kenya...
of Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
. It was originally known as Government House
Government House
Government House is the name of many of the residences of Governors-General, Governors and Lieutenant-Governors in the Commonwealth and the remaining colonies of the British Empire. It serves as the venue for the Governor's official business, as well as the many receptions and functions hosted by...
. This building was built in 1907 in Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is...
to serve as the official residence
Official residence
An official residence is the residence at which heads of state, heads of government, gubernatorial or other senior figures officially reside...
of the Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
of British East Africa when Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
was a British Colony.
The governor would conduct his official functions at the old Provincial Commissioner’s office (now a national monument) next to Nyayo House and then retire to Government House for the day.
After independence, Government House was renamed State House. Although it remained the official residence of the Head of State
Head of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
, in practice it became an administrative or operational office occasionally providing accommodation to visiting State guests and receptions on National Days. This scenario has prevailed to-date with the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyattapron.] served as the first Prime Minister and President of Kenya. He is considered the founding father of the Kenyan nation....
and President Moi preferring private residence as opposed to living in State House.
State House in Nairobi stands on a 3 square kilometre piece of land. It is a 10 minute drive from the city centre. Other than the Nairobi one, there are other State Houses and Lodges scattered around the country to provide accommodation to the Head of State whenever he is touring various parts of the country.
See also
- Government Houses of Africa
- Government Houses of the British Empire
- Governor-General of KenyaGovernor-General of KenyaThe title of Governor-General of Kenya was created during the period when Kenya was a monarchy from 1963 to 1964 and abolished after Kenya became an independent republic....