Sakaja finally re-opens Uhuru Park after two years of renovation
He said Kenyans will not be required to pay any entry fee to access the park.
It's a sigh of relief for Kenyans as the long-awaited Uhuru Park, which has been under renovation for two years, has finally been reopened.
Speaking on Saturday during the mass registration of the Private Security Guard Force, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the Ministry of Defence has formally handed the park back to City Hall, marking its readiness for public use.
He said Kenyans will not be required to pay any entry fee to access the park, as it will be free.
"We shall never forget this day because you are the first Kenyans (Private Security Guards) to access this park during its opening. It is now open to everyone. The Ministry of Defence handed over the park to residents after completing the renovation works," he said.
Before its closure, many people, including families, used the park as a resting and picnic place where they could freely interact with their children.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at a past event. (X/Sakaja Johnson)
The refurbished park now boasts iconic structures, including monuments commemorating Mau Mau freedom fighters, the Pope, and peace, love, and unity. Additionally, a more defined Freedom Corner has been established in memory of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, further enriching the visitor experience.
It also has manicured lawns, maintained trees, enhanced walkways and green spaces. The former Lilies pond at the park has been turned into an aquarium named Uhuru Aquascape.
Additionally, there is an outdoor amphitheater fitted with an audiovisual screen and a Nyatiti-shaped events garden, as well as a children’s play area, with bouncing castles and merry-go-rounds.
The area has a botanical space fitted with all species of flowers and plants to capture Kenya’s floral biodiversity, with flowers and plants labelled to enhance learning.
The park was closed to the public in 2022 for rehabilitation by the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
NMS noted that the revamped green spaces will play a critical role in environmental pollution management, social-economic development of the nation and the physical well-being of citizens.
The project was overseen by the Ministry of Defence which had delayed completion until recently. This saw the park remain closed to the public longer than anticipated until all works were done.
However, the county has been using the park to host some events, including the Nairobi Festival in 2022 and 2023.
The re-opening of Central Park will, however, take longer, owing to the contracted works yet to be completed.
Other Topics To Read
Top Stories Today
