By Antynet Ford
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has questioned the prolonged closure of Uhuru Park. In a letter to the Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Sifuna cited having received complaints over the closure of the park.
He stated that the recreation facility was to be reopened in December 2023 but two months later it is yet to be actualized.
“In a meeting between governor Sakaja, myself, and the Kenya Defence Forces personnel in charge of the refurbishment of Uhuru Park held on October 13, 2023, at the facility, it was confirmed that indeed all works had been completed and that the facility would be reopened to the public in December 2023.” The letter by Sifuna dated February 17, 2024, reads in part.
The City Senator stated that the closure is an inconvenience to the city residents and visitors who visit the city daily.
He asked the CS to disclose whether there are works still ongoing at the Park and also disclose whether the facility has been officially handed back to the county government.
“If not handed back, what underlying issues continue to delay the return of the park to public use.” the letter added.
Sifuna asked Duale to make it clear when Nairobians can expect to resume use of the park.
The iconic park has been closed since September 2021 as it underwent renovation and was face-lifted by the Kenya Defence Forces.
Uhuru and Central parks have been under renovation under the KDF through defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services since September 2021, to bring them up to international park standards.
Last year in July, a meeting was held between Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and governor Sakaja still on the two parks reopening.
The renovated green spaces will play an important role in environmental pollution management, the nation’s socioeconomic development, and citizens’ physical well-being.
The military has been constructing the parks whose new look will involve installing modern facilities and amenities which the parks have been lacking.
The parks had been neglected for many years and needed an upgrade.
It was only opened during the first and second edition of Nairobi festival in 2022 and 2023 December.