This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
Uhuru Park Motorway Plans Raise Concerns ¶
Kenya's plans to build a motorway through Uhuru Park have sparked controversy, with many arguing that the park's green spaces are essential for the city's health and wellbeing.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority, the motorway will connect the JKIA with the city centre at three interchanges and the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. However, the plans have been met with resistance from public-conscious Kenyans who are concerned about the impact on the park's green spaces.
The government has assured the public that only the road reserve around the park will be utilised, but many are skeptical about the true intentions behind the project. The motorway is expected to decongest the city, provide employment, and reduce the cost of doing business by decreasing commute time.
However, critics argue that the project is expensive and will only benefit a select few. The estimated cost of using the motorway is Sh300 per day, which is a significant burden for many Kenyans. Additionally, the project's focus on road expansion may not be the most effective way to address the city's traffic problems.
Experts argue that increasing walkable and 'bikeable' spaces and intercepting the city with greenery would be a more effective way to decongest the city and improve the health and wellbeing of its citizens. The National Environmental Management Authority could also integrate an urban ecosystem service with the urban development plans for Nairobi to ensure that road expansion plans do not meet with resistance from the public.
Ultimately, the decision to build the motorway through Uhuru Park should be made with careful consideration of the potential impact on the city's green spaces and the health and wellbeing of its citizens.
