Nairobi Governor Johson Sakaja has responded to questions about the reopening of Uhuru Park gardens.
In a statement on Saturday, the governor said Uhuru Park will be opened for public use before the end of March 2024.
Sakaja explained that the contractor in charge of the renovation is handing over and that the county is making the final payments.
According to him, the Park will be accessed free of charge.
“Uhuru Park is being opened very soon, latest end of this month. Military Contractor handing over and final payments being done. And it’ll be free for all to use.,” Sakaja said.
He further explained that constructions are still ongoing at the Central Park adding that he will give a detailed information soon.
“Central Park is taking a while longer. Contracted works are yet to be completed. Will give details soon,” he stated.
Uhuru Park was closed in November 2021 when the national government and the now defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) commenced renovations.
Sifuna Questions Continued Closure of Uhuru Park
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had raised concerns about the continued closure of the park even after renovations of the facility were concluded.
In a letter dated February 17, 2024, Sifuna directed Sakaja and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to reopen the park for public use stating that the works were completed in October 2023.
Also Read: Sifuna Poses 4 Questions to Sakaja Regarding Uhuru Park
“At a meeting between the Nairobi Governor, myself and the KDF personnel in charge of the refurbishment of Uhuru Park held on 13th October 2023 at the Facility, it was confirmed that indeed all works had been completed and that the facility would be opened to the public in December 2023,” Sifuna said.
He said there was an urgent need to open the Park arguing that its closure is causing inconvenience to Nairobi residents.
“Close to four months later the facility remains inaccessible occasioning great inconvenience to the residents of Nairobi and to the thousands of visitors the city receives on a daily basis,” stated the Senator.
Also Read: Sifuna Questions Academic Qualifications of Sakaja’s Employees
The Senator’s Demands to Sakaja & Duale
Sifuna also revealed that he has received numerous complaints from Nairobi residents over the closure of the park.
He demanded that the two should explain the underlying issues that continue to delay the return of the park to public use.
“Kindly confirm when Nairobians can expect to resume use of the park. Your quick response on this matter will be highly appreciated,” read the letter in part.
Besides, the Senator wanted the two to explain whether the facility has been officially handed back to the Nairobi County Government.
