City traders ask for alternative jobs until Uhuru Park reopens

Some traders who have been running their businesses at Uhuru Park have requested Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) boss Mohammed Badi to give them alternative jobs.

Their plea comes after the recreational park was closed for three months to undergo a facelift expected to be completed by December.

Also sealed off is the adjacent Central Park, which many Nairobians have been flocking to during weekends with their families. Joseph Maina, who has been doing business at Uhuru Park for the last 20 years, said the closure had left him with fewer options and he doesn’t know how he will survive for the time the park is closed. 

“The park had been totally neglected. The last time it was repaired was over 10 years ago. Back then, everything was in order, including the fountains but as you can see, the area is dirty,” he said.

Albert Njreu, another trader, said: “We hope NMS will consider us when offering manual jobs like planting grass as we wait for the facelift to be completed.”

Maj Gen Badi recently said the renovations would be completed before Christmas. The renovations are expected to turn the park, which was closed last week, into a modern facility.