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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has expressed unease regarding the extended closure of Uhuru Park.
Since September 2021, the iconic park has remained shut for renovation and rejuvenation efforts led by the Kenya Defence Forces.
In a letter directed to Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Senator Sifuna highlighted receiving complaints about the continued closure of the park.
Sifuna noted that despite initial plans for the park to reopen in December 2023, it remains inaccessible to the public.
“In a meeting held on October 13, 2023, between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, myself, and Kenya Defence Forces personnel overseeing the refurbishment, it was confirmed that all works had concluded and the park would reopen in December 2023,” stated the letter dated February 17, 2024.
A similar discussion took place in July 2023 between Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and Governor Sakaja regarding both Uhuru and Central parks.
Sifuna expressed concern over the ongoing inconvenience caused to Nairobi residents and daily visitors due to the park’s closure.
The Senator urged CS Duale to clarify whether renovations are still ongoing at Uhuru Park and whether the park has been officially handed back to the county government.
“If not yet returned, what are the underlying issues causing the delay in reopening the park to the public,” questioned the letter.
Additionally, Sifuna requested clarity on when Nairobians can anticipate the park’s reopening.
Uhuru and Central parks have been undergoing renovation by the Kenya Defence Forces through the Nairobi Metropolitan Services since September 2021, aiming to elevate them to international park standards.
The revamped green spaces are expected to play a crucial role in managing environmental pollution, advancing socioeconomic development, and promoting citizens’ physical well-being.
The military-led renovation project aims to equip the parks with modern facilities and amenities that were previously lacking.
Enhancements to Uhuru Park include manicured lawns, well-maintained trees, upgraded walkways, and expanded green areas.
New features such as an outdoor Amphitheatre with an audiovisual screen, an events garden shaped like Nyatiti, and a children’s play area with bouncing castles and merry-go-rounds are also in the works.
Updates have been made to iconic landmarks within the park, including the Nyao statue and monuments honoring Mau Mau freedom fighters.
Additionally, the man-made lake has been transformed into a prominent waterfront area, complete with a Swahili restaurant.
Despite these extensive renovations, the parks have yet to reopen to the public, with only a brief opening during the Nairobi festival in December last year.
Prior to renovations, Uhuru Park was a prominent venue for political rallies, particularly during general election campaigns.
