Nairobi Metropolitan Services gives fresh look to 30-year-old monument

After more than a decade of neglect, the stately Fimbo ya Nyayo monument now has a new look, thanks to the ongoing rehabilitation of Central Park.

The monument which was erected more than three decades ago to commemorate former President Daniel Moi's time at the helm had been neglected. Even as the revamp at the park is taking shape, the monument's new look is visible from Uhuru Highway and Processional Way.

The snowcapped Mount Kenya and symbolic Fimbo ya Nyayo have been given a fresh touch with their original paints making it stand out at the park despite tall fences surrounding the area.

Similarly, the cockerel, a symbol of independence party KANU, has been replaced with a new one bearing the golden colour.

On the other side, the design on cereals symbolising food security; a mother and her children representing the general population, has been fixed.

The fountain area that has been covered by weeds is also being redesigned before the opening of the park.

"I'm happy that the monument is getting a fresh look. It had been neglected and no one was even able to understand what it was meant for but the new look is amazing," James Mungai, one of the photographers who has worked in the park, said.

"When the rehabilitation started last year, we were told to vacate until it is completed. We hope we will be allowed back like before because I'm sure many people will be interested in posing next to the monument," he added.

The whole of Central Park where the monument sits is undergoing rehabilitation by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services; the adjacent Uhuru Park is also getting a facelift.

Some features at the two parks are getting visible, among them a huge refurbished airplane at Uhuru Park.

The airplane was brought with some parts damaged but it has been fixed with a fresh coat of paint.

Business people around the area are optimistic that once the two parks are opened, it will be a place for many to be, thus opening up opportunities for traders.