This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has made a U-turn on plans to take part of Uhuru Park for the construction of the JKIA-Westlands Expressway.
On Wednesday, Macharia assured concerned Kenyans that the iconic park will remain untouched by the Expressway's construction, citing the need to preserve Nairobi's remaining green areas.
"I wish to bring to the attention of the Public that the design of the Expressway has now been optimised to ensure that no land will be taken from Uhuru Park," Macharia said in a statement.
The Expressway, which will connect Mlolongo to James Gichuru via JKIA, is estimated to cost Sh59.9 billion and will be financed through a public-private partnership.
Initially, reports suggested that 1.3 acres of Uhuru Park would be hived off to make way for the road's construction, but Macharia's statement has put those plans on hold.
