Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has questioned the continued closure of Uhuru Park gardens even after renovations of the facility have been concluded.
In a letter dated February 17, 2024, Sifuna directed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Arthur and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to reopen the park for public use.
The Senator said the works at Uhuru Park were said to have been completed in October 2023.
“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,” said Sifuna.
Sifuna said the governor should reopen Uhuru Park adding that the closure of the facility 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.
Sifuna to Sakaja & Duale
He revealed that he has received numerous complaints from Nairobi residents over the closure of the park. Therefore, Sifuna asked the two officials to explain whether there are still ongoing works at the facility hindering its re-opening.
Besides, the Senator told CS Duale and Governor Sakaja to state whether the facility has been officially handed back to the Nairobi County Government.
If not, 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.
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Uhuru Park Closure
Late President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta opened the Park to the general public on May 23, 1969.
The Park contains an artificial lake, several national monuments, and an assembly ground.
The assembly ground is used for occasional political and religious gatherings.
However, it was closed in November 2021 when the national government and the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) commenced renovations.
Court Ruling
In December 2021, the Environment and Lands Court halted the renovations and cutting of trees at Uhuru Park.
Justice Edward Waboto ruled that the order will remain in force following the ongoing hearing and determination of the case filed by the Communist Party of Kenya.
Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi and lawyer Benedict Wachira representing Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) successfully argued that NMS did not conduct public participation.
Also Read: Uhuru and Central Park Will Reopen to the Public in December
Speaking in December 2021, then President Uhuru Kenyatta dismissed politicians who were opposed to the renovations at Uhuru and Central Parks.
Uhuru said the renovations were part of plans to change the face of the city after speculations of land grabbing.
“Wale ambao walikuwa wanasema tumegrab Uhuru Park and Central Park wacha waone ile kazi inaendelea hapa,” he said.
This translates to “Those who were saying we have grabbed Uhuru Park and Central Park come and see the work we are doing.”
He explained that most of the projects that were ongoing in Nairobi were for the benefit of the residents.
