Association of Architects Raise Alarm Over State House Renovations; Call for Heritage Protection
The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has raised concerns over renovations at State House, warning that recent modifications have compromised its historical and cultural significance.
In a statement, AAK acknowledged the need for maintenance but criticized the changes, particularly the removal of the iconic red roof tiles, the addition of an oversized parapet, and alterations to the entrance. The association argued that these modifications have distorted the building’s neo-classical design, originally crafted by British architect Sir Herbert Baker in 1907.
AAK emphasized that State House, though not officially listed as a national monument, holds immense historical value and should be preserved. They cited global examples, such as Ethiopia’s National Jubilee Palace and Ghana’s Christiansborg Castle, where heritage buildings have been carefully maintained rather than drastically altered.
The association urged the government to halt further modifications, establish conservation guidelines, and involve experts and the public in renovation plans. They also called for the National Museums of Kenya to oversee heritage buildings to prevent similar alterations in the future.
With the debate intensifying, the government now faces pressure to reconsider its approach, balancing modernization with heritage conservation.
