• Last year, NMS embarked restoration starting with Michuki Park, which is fully rehabilitated, very popular and graced with a crocodile and three young.
•The World Health Organization said city green spaces increase property value and reduce crime, enhancing overall well-being.
Nairobi’s neglected Uhuru and Central Parks risk losing their historical significance and recreational appeal if they are no restored
MCAs have expressed concerns over the dilapidated, untended state of the two arts and called for their immediate renovation.
In a notice of motion tabled last Thursday, Assembly Majority leader Abdi Hassan, known as Guyo, pushed for the parks' renovation.
He said that status of the capital city's parks and green spaces has deteriorated over the decades as maintenance and renovation have not kept pace with increasing population and residents' demands to use the park.
Guyo said he was deeply concerned parks of historical and national significance risk losing international appeal, recognition and status because of neglect.
The disrepair of facilities and amenities at the two parks is worrying, he said.
Guyo, who is the Matopeni ward rep, said green spaces like parks are critical to urban environments as they provide recreation and wellness. They also provide environmental management and green space sustainability.
He emphasised that rehabilitation of urban parks and green spaces in Nairobi is a presidential legacy project, so the county should step in and provide a face-lift.
"The fourth schedule of the Constitution provides for the functions and powers of county government concerning amenities, including county parks and recreational facilities,” Guyo said.
The World Health Organization says urban green spaces increase property values and reduce crime, thus enhancing overall well-being.
The Nairobi Government retains, operates and maintains parks and green spaces, including Jamhuri Park, Uhuru Gardens, Jeevanje Gardens, Michuki Memorial Park, and Uhuru and Central parks.
Guyo said the Nairobi Metropolitan Services invested heavily in renovating Michuki Memorial Park, but has not done the same for Uhuru and Central Parks.
Last year, NMS embarked on their restoration starting with Michuki Park, which is now fully rehabilitated and has received wide praise.
The rehabilitation cleared out the garbage and improved its ecology for public use.
With Michuki in place, the Majority leader now is urging both NMS and the county Executive to immediately close Uhuru and
Central Parks for rehabilitation.
The well-being of licensed stakeholders in the two parks should be protected, he said.
Guyo proposed rehabilitation should restore botanical spaces by planting more trees and shrubs. He also called for building and improving infrastructure for outdoor events.
“Rehabilitation will restore aesthetics for recreational and related undertakings," he said, which are essential to returning the two parks to their former glory."
(Edited by V. Graham)