Kibaki opens Raila's new office

The Sh1 billion Prime Minister’s office was opened on Wednesday by President Kibaki. The office was bought from BP/Shell for Sh700 million and refurbished at about Sh300 million.

The five-storey building is a few metres from the President’s Harambee House on Harambee Avenue. President Kibaki said the Prime Minister would work in a conducive environment to discharge his duties.

The PM has been working from the Treasury Building. The new office accommodates the premier as well as the ministries of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, Public Service and Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands.

The Efficiency Monitoring Unit, Inspectorate of State Corporations and Public Sector Reforms and Contracting are departments under the Prime Minister.

President Kibaki and Mr Odinga planted a commemorative tree.

The President said the office reflected the new thinking in government in promoting transparency and integrity through the use of the open plan.

“This is to minimise opportunities for corruption and above all encourage interaction and sharing of ideas. It is a model for future government office buildings,” the President said.

Mr Odinga received the Head of State, who strolled from Harambee House across the road, and said: “This building is called office of the Prime Minister, but this is temporary as the office is not going to be there after two years but the building will remain as it is a government office. I am sure it will be put into good use.”

The Prime Minister said every penny spent on the building was put into good use. Public Works minister Chris Obure said the project was completed on time and on budget. This, he said, demonstrated that with proper planning and dedication a lot of development can be achieved.

The function was attended by ministers, National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende and Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura.