Governor Sakaja refutes reports that City Hall is leasing out Uhuru Park

Under the new plan, the county will collaborate with interested parties to introduce food stalls, children's bouncing castles, and boat riding services.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has refuted recent reports suggesting that Uhuru Park and Central Park might be leased out to private entities.
In a statement on Friday, Sakaja assured Nairobians that the parks will remain public and that the county government is focused on improving them for the benefit of all residents.
More To Read
- 'Broke' Nairobi MCAs storm City Hall offices in desperation over delayed funds
- Sh1 billion earmarked for new classrooms in Nairobi as enrolment rises
- City Hall agrees to permanently employ 43 NMS doctors
- Sakaja stops using KRA to collect city revenue, announces new accounts
- Nairobi governor accuses MP of orchestrating City Hall arson during protests
- Nairobi County announces 100% waiver of land rate penalties, interests
"We are adding value to these spaces by introducing amenities such as food stalls, bouncing castles, recreation facilities, and boat riding. These services will be provided by interested parties to enhance the experience for the thousands of visitors who frequent the park," he said.
The governor said that Uhuru Park belongs to the people of Nairobi and that there are no plans to privatise it.
"Uhuru Park is not up for lease. It belongs to the people. On a good weekend, we host between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors. Our goal is to ensure they can relax, enjoy refreshments, and participate in park-like activities," Sakaja said.
According to the governor, the decision to introduce these services was made during a recent Cabinet meeting, where the executive discussed aligning Nairobi's recreational spaces with global standards.
"Globally, parks offer a variety of activities to enhance visitor experiences. These services have been missing in Uhuru Park, even after its renovation," Sakaja noted.
Make parks more vibrant
Under the new plan, the county will collaborate with interested parties to introduce food stalls, children's bouncing castles, and boat riding services.
These additions aim to make the parks more vibrant and family-friendly while preserving their public nature.
"The county government cannot run food stalls or boat rides. Our role is not to make a profit but to facilitate public enjoyment. Those interested in offering these services will have the opportunity to contribute to enhancing the park experience," Sakaja explained.
He assured the public that every decision made prioritises their interests.
"Our public spaces are treasures, and we are committed to preserving and protecting them for future generations," he said.
Top Stories Today
- Silent but deadly: Growing burden of respiratory diseases in Kenya
- Samsung to launch ultra-slim Galaxy S25 edge globally on May 12: What to expect
- How officers recruitment freeze has affected police-to-civilian ratio- KNBS
- Sudan envoy defies junta’s orders to cut ties with UAE, saying it is "irrelevant"
- First white South Africans to arrive under US refugee plan as soon as next week
- Community elders and religious leaders in Garissa empowered on handling alternative justice system
- EAC central banks adopt master plan to modernise cross-border payments
- Lamu records highest increase in ID card applications as border regions see surge
- Seven dead, houses submerged as heavy rains cause severe flooding in Mogadishu
- Health Ministry begins issuance of title deeds to safeguard public facilities from land grabs
- Chef Mohamud shares his recipe for crispy chicken wings you can make at home
- Google messages to roll out 'Delete for Everyone' feature on Android
- Consumers to benefit from decline in global commodity prices, says World Bank
- Private sector dominates Kenya’s borehole drilling as state spending dips
- Senate starts probe on expired medicine crisis in counties
- Cheluget family backs Ruto’s Narok land deal for resettlement
- Gaza’s health system under fire: 1,400 medics killed in targeted attacks
- Nurses reject payroll transfer to counties, vow to continue strike
- China, Russia unite against global bullying and power play
- Pakistan denies nuclear meeting amid escalating clashes with India