This archive report was first published on 2 October 2021.
On October 2, 2021, the Nairobi County Assembly approved a motion to close Uhuru Park and Central Park for renovations, effectively making them a no-go zone for the next three months.
The motion, moved by Majority Leader Abdi Guyo, aims to restore the parks to their former glory. According to Guyo, the decision was reached after consultations between the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) leadership and the City Hall.
The County government is responsible for maintaining the parks, which include Uhuru Park, Michuki Park, Central Park, Jevanjee Gardens, and Uhuru Gardens. Guyo called on the NMS and the executive to inform the public about the closure in advance.
He also expressed concern that the parks have been neglected and are on the verge of losing their historical significance. Guyo cited the renovation of Michuki Memorial Park as a positive example, saying that Uhuru Park and Central Park have been left in disrepair.
Seconding the motion, Minority Leader Michael Ogada suggested that the renovation would take approximately three months to ensure quality work is done. He also urged the NMS to ensure that the parks are not fenced off and left to deteriorate.
Francis Ngesa, the Dandora Area 4 MCA, added that the public must be assured that there will be no sinister activities taking place in the parks during the renovation period.
