City Affairs

Green Belt Movement calls for county's protection of Uhuru and Central Parks

Members of the public are pictured at the newly reopened Uhuru Park in Nairobi on March 31, 2024. (Photo: Hanifa Adan)

By Mary Wambui | Friday, June 7, 2024

The governor had promised to set up a board dedicated to the two parks within 30 days of the reopening of Uhuru Park but has failed to do so.

The Green Belt Movement has formerly urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to speed up on his promise to establish a board tasked with protecting and conserving Uhuru and Central Parks within the Central Business District.

The governor had promised to set up a board dedicated to the two parks within 30 days of the reopening of Uhuru Park but has failed to do so.

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Uhuru Park was opened on March 30 this year, following its two-year closure to allow for renovations by the Kenya Defence Forces.

Today, the 32-acre recreational park boasts an artificial lake, several monuments, and an assembly ground amongst other amenities that make it an ideal resting ground within the city.

In sharp contrast to Uhuru Park, the 60 hectares City Park is largely unkempt despite its prime location and special amenities like the Murumbi Memorial Garden that hosts the sculpture of the second vice president of Kenya, Joseph Murumbi, and his wife, Sheila Murumbi.

According to a 2020 United Nations Habitat report, some of Nairobi's 34 public parks and gardens have been turned into garbage dumps.

"Experiences from across the world show that public spaces with uncollected garbage are generally perceived to be dangerous places and crime hotspots. As such, the public tends to avoid such places," the report said.

In the letter, Green Belt Board Chairperson Nyaguthii Chege told Sakaja that the establishment of a dedicated board would signify a significant step forward in ensuring the sustainable management and long-term viability of Uhuru and Central Parks. Such a board will play a pivotal role in formulating and implementing strategies to address pressing issues such as encroachment, pollution, and inadequate maintenance.

"We understand that governing a city as vibrant as Nairobi comes with numerous challenges and competing priorities. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that safeguarding Uhuru and Central Parks should be of paramount concern for all stakeholders involved," the letter states.

The two parks hold immense cultural, historical, and ecological significance to the residents of Nairobi and beyond.

The movement called on Sakaja to ensure that the board's membership meets relevant qualifications and is equipped with adequate resources, authority and mandate to fulfil its objectives effectively.

"As a grassroots environmental conservation organization deeply committed to the protection of our natural resources and heritage, we stand ready to offer our expertise, support and collaboration in this endeavour. Together, we can work towards preserving Uhuru and Central Parks for current and future generations to enjoy and cherish," the letter adds.

The movement was formed by the late Nobel Peace Laureate Prof Wangari Maathai to spearhead tree planting and green spaces conservation particularly Uhuru Park which though not currently in its original size, has been eyed by previous regimes seeking to construct a skyscraper and a road through the park.