Political gatherings banned as Duale set to hand over Uhuru Park to City Hall

After nearly three years of extensive renovations, Uhuru Park, one of Nairobi's most iconic public spaces, is set to be handed over to the Nairobi City County Government.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday, said that running parks is not his ministry's core mandate.

"I'm handing over that park tomorrow (Thursday) and by 9 am we will be done. We were looking for time and we have been in contact with the governor and he has given us his availability," he said.

The CS was speaking while appearing before the Senate to address queries raised by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Sifuna had earlier through a letter reached out to Duale, stating that he had received complaints over the closure of the park.

"At a meeting between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, myself and the Kenya Defence Forces personnel in charge of the refurbishment of Uhuru Park held on October 13, 2023, at the facility, it was confirmed that indeed all works had been completed and that the facility would be reopened to the public in December 2023," reads the letter dated February 17, 2024.

Concerns over potential damages from large gatherings were also addressed by Duale, who cautioned against the misuse of the park.

The CS declared that Uhuru Park will no longer serve as a venue for political rallies once it reopens, emphasising that it will be strictly reserved for non-political events

"Please tell the political class, those who want to do weddings have a good place, those who want big events, but you know our supporters if they stay there for one hour then the park will go back to what it was," Duale stated.

Cost of refurbishments

Duale however noted that despite the handover of the facility, the ministry has less than eight per cent of pending works which include water connection and drainage works.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appearing before the Senate to answer to queries on April 17, 2024. (Photo: X/Aden Duale)

Refurbishment of both Uhuru and Central Parks has cost Sh1.18 billion, with the government aiming to provide a serene retreat for city dwellers.

"We expect during lunchtime, Kenyans can spend one hour reading or relaxing at the park," Duale said, highlighting the government's vision for the park's future as a recreational space for citizens.

In addition to the handover, the CS revealed that the Ministry of Defence will sign a memorandum of agreement with the Johnson Sakaja-led administration to facilitate a smooth transition.

Duale highlighted that the agreement will allow the ministry's technical team to assist during a six-month period to ensure the park's sustained upkeep.

"We will sign an MoU to transition facilities to the county government for tasks like CCTV installation and footbridges," he added.

Uhuru and Central parks have been under renovation under the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) through the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services since September 2021, to bring them up to international park standards.

Green spaces

The renovated green spaces will play an important role in environmental pollution management, the nation's socioeconomic development, and citizens' physical well-being.

A section of the newly reopened Uhuru Park in Nairobi, as pictured on March 31, 2024. (Photo: Hanifa Adan/EV)

The military has been constructing the parks whose new look will involve installing modern facilities and amenities which the parks have been lacking.

The parks had been neglected for many years and needed an upgrade.

The park now has manicured lawns, maintained trees, enhanced walkways and green spaces.

There will also be an outdoor Amphitheatre with an audiovisual screen, an events garden and a children's play area with bouncing castles and merry-go-rounds.

The iconic Nyayo statue and Mau Mau freedom fighters' monuments have been updated as well.

The man-made lake has been transformed into a major waterfront, complete with a Swahili restaurant.

The park was only opened during the Nairobi festival last year in December.

Uhuru Park had before the renovations been a hot spot for political rallies.

The park is synonymous with hosting huge political rallies in the lead-up to general elections.