Nairobi residents will have to wait a bit longer to access Uhuru and Central parks, as Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale informed the Star that ongoing works are still in progress. Once completed, the Kenya Defence Forces will hand over the amenities to the county government of Nairobi. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that contractors are still on-site and the handover has not yet occurred.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna raised concerns over the prolonged closure of Uhuru Park, which has been undergoing renovation since September 2021. In a letter to CS Duale, Sifuna questioned whether there are still ongoing works at Uhuru Park and whether the facility has been officially handed back to the county government. He seeks clarity on the underlying issues causing delays in the park’s return to public use and when Nairobians can expect to resume using it.
The parks have remained closed to the public, except for hosting the Nairobi festival in December 2022 and 2023. Uhuru Park holds significant historical and political importance, having been a venue for major events such as political rallies and protests against government projects like the Kenya Times Media Trust business complex. Renovations aim to bring the parks up to international standards and enhance environmental pollution management, socioeconomic development, and citizens’ well-being.
The military-led construction involves installing modern facilities and amenities to address the parks’ long-standing neglect. Uhuru Park’s transformation includes manicured lawns, maintained trees, enhanced walkways, and the addition of features like an outdoor Amphitheatre, an events garden shaped like Nyatiti, and a children’s play area. Monuments like the Nyao statue and Mau Mau freedom fighters’ monuments have been updated, and the man-made lake has been revamped into a waterfront with a Swahili restaurant. These renovations signify a significant upgrade for the parks, promising improved recreational opportunities and enhanced aesthetic appeal for visitors.
