Revamped Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds now a haven for children to play

For over 20 years, Ismael Muli, a long-time resident of Shauri Moyo, has watched his neighbourhood evolve. Still, nothing compares to the remarkable transformation of Kamukunji Grounds, now proudly known as Kamukunji Park. Once a simple, underutilised space, it has blossomed into a lively park filled with laughter and joy.

His children, now adults, never had a place like this to call their own. They grew up without a safe spot to play and connect with friends, their childhood marked by the absence of such a vibrant community hub. But now, as he sees his grandchildren running through the lush green grass, their eyes sparkling with excitement, his heart swells with happiness.

"It's incredible to see how much this place has transformed. Once overgrown and neglected, it's now a beautifully maintained area where anyone can come to relax, sleep, and hang out with friends. The cleanliness and safety here are remarkable; you can truly enjoy your time without the constant worry of theft."

He notes that the space was a hotspot for petty crime, with pickpockets lurking around and the grass left uncut. But now, it feels like a real sanctuary.

"We no longer must walk all the way to Uhuru Park for a quiet spot; we have our own safe place right here. Living in iron sheet houses can get hot, so having this space is great for us and our children. It's wonderful to see the neighbourhood children playing freely, knowing they can have fun without fear."

Kamukunji Park park has brought together children from the slums, serving as the only green space where they can play. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

Hellen Christine from Kinyago loves coming to the park with her daughter to play without worrying about her touching dirty things. In her neighbourhood, there isn't a safe space for children to play without dealing with trash.

"This place is wonderful," she says. "I can unwind from a stressful week while my daughter plays freely. When she gets tired, we can both take a nap and call it a day. I try to come here every weekend whenever I get the chance," Christine says.

She says that many people still don't realise they can bring their children here to play. Instead, they trek all the way to Uhuru Park, even though this park close to them has plenty of space and fun games for children to enjoy.

Farida Abdi, a mother of two from Majengo, and her neighbours take turns every weekend to bring their children to the park. Here, the children enjoy activities like trampolining, swimming, and playing on bouncing castles, all at an affordable cost.

"The park is free, and games like the swings don't cost anything. It's a huge space where the children can run around and make friends. Plus, the area is fenced, so I don't have to worry about my child wandering off or getting lost," she explains.

Farida also appreciates that there are people who watch over the children. Parents can even drop off their children, go to work, and come back to pick them up in the evening. When they come as a group, the children can easily find their way home together.

Children play on a trampoline at the Kamukunji Grounds. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

"I'm so grateful for the initiative that transformed this park. It has truly benefited our community, and we're really happy that our children are having such a great time," she says.

Kamukunji Grounds, once a neglected part of the community, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a litter-strewn, disused area into a vibrant, well-maintained leisure park.

Historically, the venue played a crucial role in Kenya's struggle for multiparty democracy.

On July 7, 1990, it hosted a significant rally known as Saba Saba, symbolising the fight against one-party rule. This rally, advocating for political pluralism, faced violent repression from former president Daniel Arap Moi's government, leading to beatings, detentions, and widespread unrest across the nation.

The park was ignored for years, often overcrowded with street families and littered with garbage. However, a dedicated local community-based organisation recognised the potential of this underutilised space and set out to rejuvenate it.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan has been a key advocate for the improvement of Kamukunji Grounds.

Eight years ago, he proposed designating the grounds as a national protected monument due to its historical importance. In a motion presented to the National Assembly, he pointed out that despite its vital role in Kenya's political history, the grounds had fallen into neglect.

The revitalisation project began in 2020, following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A group of 19 self-help organisations united to form the Kamukunji Environmental Conservation Champions (KECC), aiming to restore the park to its former glory and create a space for the community to have fun at and take pride in.

Thanks to these efforts, the park now attracts hundreds of visitors each day, providing a clean and inviting environment for relaxation and recreation.

While many games are free, there is a small charge of Sh50 for activities like the trampoline to help with maintenance. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

The park is open and free for everyone, featuring different sections: a children's corner, a leisure area, and a mental health space. The children's corner is fenced off to ensure a safe play environment, and no adults are allowed in that area.

Fatuma Wanjiru, the secretary of KECC, says the park has brought together children from the slums, serving as the only green space where they can play.

"On weekends, like Saturdays, over 200 children come to this park to play. During school days, we don't allow children to play, but we do prepare porridge for those who spend the entire day here without heading home," she explains.

Fatuma notes that some children now come specifically for the porridge. While many games are free, there is a small charge of Sh50 for activities like the trampoline to help with maintenance.

"There's no age limit; all children are welcome. Younger ones often come with their parents. This green space has also provided opportunities for environmental conservation, as some children have adopted trees and water them every weekend."

However, she mentions challenges such as financial instability and some residents wanting to privatise the park, which is not their intention.

"We want people to take ownership of this space. The park is free for everyone, and we encourage parents to bring their children. Our goal is to make this park even bigger and better for the entire community."