City residents to access Uhuru Park for free from December

One of the gates of the newly-renovated Uhuru Park. [James Wanzala, Standard]

After a year-long wait, Nairobi residents will now access Uhuru Park recreational center from December.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has further announced that the Park will be free of charge.

This ends the speculations that access to the park would be charged.

Uhuru Park and Central Park were closed to the public in February 2021 by Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to allow for the rehabilitation of the social amenities to give them a more modern and appealing taste.

"This is just the beginning. We are in the process of rehabilitating all the parks across the county where our people can rest and enjoy the environment," Sakaja said.

The Governor also said his administration is in the process of reclaiming all social places that had been grabbed and repurposing them back to their initial use, where young people can be able to exploit their talents and be creative.

"Some scrupulous people have grabbed some of these social amenities areas, we are reclaiming them, improving them, and will create new ones to ensure every sub-county has at least a recreational facility," Sakaja added.

The governor hinted that he is in discussion with the National government to zero-rate music and studio equipment in order to support the growth and the expansion of the creative industry in Nairobi.

Unlike before, Uhuru Park now boasts of a playground, an outdoor gym, jogging tracks, botanical trails, an outdoor library, and a skating park.

The walkways have been replaced with colorful slabs with well-manicured lawns, beautifully trimmed trees, and sculptures of different animals to complete the amazing look.

Another attraction is the skeleton of a giant airplane that has since been refurbished. From a distance, it looks like an aircraft about to take off.

The area that was used as a podium was brought down and the open field now boasts of small fountains and expansive benches made of hardwood.

The Park will also have a children's play area, with bouncing castles and merry-go-rounds.