State House, Presidential residence in Nairobi, Kenya

The State House is a long two-storey white building with a red tiled roof, built in 1907 to a design by Herbert Baker. Its central section projects forward beneath a triangular pediment carried by six tall smooth columns, with a recessed entrance and a small balcony behind them. Flanking wings with rectangular multi-paned and ground-level arched windows extend to either side, and a flag flies from a pole atop the pediment.

The building was designed in 1907 by British architect Herbert Baker as an administrative residence during colonial rule. It transitioned to serve Kenya's leadership after independence and has remained the seat of executive power ever since.

The name changed from Government House to State House at independence; the Swahili name is Ikulu ya Kenya. National Day receptions are held here, though presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi preferred their private residences. In July 2025 President William Ruto announced he would build a church for 8,000 people on the grounds with his own funds, a plan criticised by the Atheists In Kenya Society and Nairobi's Catholic archbishop Philip Anyolo.

Access to the compound is restricted by strict security protocols that require advance approval from authorities. It is advisable to check beforehand whether visits are permitted on your intended date.

The compound covers 3 square kilometres, about a ten-minute drive from Nairobi's centre. Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi preferred their private homes to living here, so the house served mainly as an office. In July 2025 President William Ruto announced a plan to build a church for 8,000 people on the grounds with his own funds.