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

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.

"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.

Other Topics To Read

• City Affairs
• Governor Sakaja
• Uhuru Park
• Central Park Nairobi
• Governor Sakaja refutes reports that City Hall is leasing out Uhuru Park
• Headlines