The government has embarked on an ambitious drive to streamline the management of public buildings and reduce billions of shillings spent on leasing office space, with Principal Secretary for Public Investments and Assets Management Cyrell Odede reaffirming his commitment to spearheading reforms aimed at maximizing the value of State-owned assets.
Speaking after a high-level meeting chaired by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Dr. Odede said the initiative marks the beginning of a comprehensive framework to audit, rehabilitate and optimize the use of government-owned buildings across the country, in line with a Cabinet directive.
The meeting brought together senior government officials to chart a roadmap for a nationwide assessment of government office assets, an exercise expected to identify underutilized properties, improve occupancy rates and establish sustainable management systems for public infrastructure.
Dr. Odede described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening accountability and ensuring taxpayers derive maximum value from government investments.
“As the Principal Secretary for Public Investments and Assets Management, I reaffirm my commitment to supporting this important initiative, which is aligned with our mandate of safeguarding and optimising the value of public assets. Effective management of Government property is critical to improving public service delivery, promoting prudent use of public resources and ensuring taxpayers receive maximum value from Government investments,” said Dr. Odede.
For years, concerns have been raised over the government’s continued expenditure on leased office space despite owning hundreds of buildings across the country, some of which remain partially occupied, abandoned or in need of rehabilitation. Public finance experts have argued that poor asset management has contributed to unnecessary recurrent expenditure while valuable public investments remain underutilized.
The Cabinet directive seeks to reverse that trend through a comprehensive audit of government-owned office assets, laying the foundation for evidence-based planning on occupancy, maintenance and future infrastructure investments.
The framework under development will focus on maximizing the utilization of existing government buildings, reducing dependence on leased premises, rehabilitating aging public infrastructure and establishing sustainable mechanisms for the long-term management of State assets.
Analysts say the initiative is expected to generate significant savings by eliminating duplication of office space, improving coordination among ministries, departments and agencies, and enhancing oversight of government property.
The reforms also align with the broader agenda of prudent public financial management, where efficient utilization of existing assets is increasingly viewed as a cost-effective alternative to constructing new facilities or leasing private buildings.
Dr. Odede emphasized that successful implementation would require close collaboration among government institutions charged with infrastructure development, public investments and asset management.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in implementing a sustainable framework that strengthens the stewardship, management and utilisation of Government-owned assets for the benefit of all Kenyans,” he said.
As the State moves to tighten fiscal discipline amid growing demands for efficient public spending, the planned audit is expected to provide the first comprehensive inventory of government office assets, offering policymakers a clearer picture of how public buildings can be better managed to improve service delivery while safeguarding national investments.
The exercise is also expected to strengthen transparency in public asset management, ensuring government infrastructure remains productive, properly maintained and responsive to the needs of citizens for generations to come.
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