This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
On October 24, 2019, the Government of Kenya faced intense public backlash over plans to use a portion of Uhuru Park for the Nairobi Expressway.
According to Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna, only 23 meters of the park will be affected by the project, with the space being used to put up pillars for the elevated road.
Once the road is complete, the area will be converted back into a park with furniture, flower beds, and other amenities.
“Uhuru Park is public land and we therefore appreciate the emotions and sentimental value attached to it. It is for this reason that only 23 meters of the park will be hived off for the #NairobiExpressway. This land will be used to put up pillars that will support the elevated road. Upon completion, the section will have furniture, flower beds and other amenities that will enable Kenyans to continue enjoying the park,” said the Government Spokesperson on Twitter.
The Expressway will stretch from Mlolongo to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and end at James Gichuru Road, with an estimated cost of Sh60 Billion.
Earlier reports had indicated that up to 1.3 acres of land would be lost from the park, sparking widespread concern among Kenyans.
