M-Pesa Foundation backs ambitious restoration of Nairobi’s 63-hectare City Park
A five-year roadmap crafted by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the City Park Community Forest Association (CFA) will steer the project, ensuring that community voices guide every stage of the transformation.
Nairobi’s historic City Park is on the brink of a significant makeover, backed by the M-Pesa Foundation to restore and secure the 63-hectare green space.
The plans include erecting fencing to curb illegal activities, introducing new walking trails, enhancing water features, and renovating heritage landmarks.
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A five-year roadmap crafted by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the City Park Community Forest Association (CFA) will steer the project, ensuring that community voices guide every stage of the transformation.
Forestry Development Secretary George Tarus welcomed the partnership during the first stakeholders’ meeting.
“We have started negotiations with the M-Pesa Foundation, and we appreciate their commitment to work with the government to secure City Park Forest and make it a habitable green space for Nairobi residents,” he said.
The session brought together officials from the State Department of Forestry, the State Department of National Administration, members of CFA, and Friends of City Park to discuss the proposed 4.3-kilometre fencing.
CFA chairperson Fiu Nifiu stressed the need for public engagement in safeguarding the park. “The planned activities are meant to secure the park from being grabbed and guarantee the security of those visiting,” he said.
“I therefore call upon all Nairobi residents to actively participate in these consultations so that together we can safeguard City Park as a shared heritage, a living ecosystem, and a legacy for future generations,” he added.
City Park attracts roughly 2,000 visitors each weekend and hosts nearly 1,000 plant species, over 100 bird species, and a variety of animals, including monkeys and butterflies.
It is also home to significant landmarks such as the graves of World War veterans, the Jewish Goan Cemetery, the Mtego wa Panya Maze, and the burial site of former vice-president Joseph Murumbi and his wife Sheila.
This forum marks the start of a series of consultations targeting residents from Westlands, Starehe, Mathare, and across Nairobi.
Authorities say involving communities is essential to ensure long-term protection and proper management of the park.
Officials are optimistic that the restoration will bring City Park back to its former glory and provide a safe, lively, and environmentally rich space for all Nairobi residents.
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