President tells off critics over Uhuru Park renovation concerns

President Uhuru Kenyatta has told off critics regarding the ongoing renovations at Uhuru and Central Parks.

The renovations led to the closure of the iconic parks did not sit well with a section of people which led to the speculations of land grabbing.

Speaking at Uhuru Park during an inspection tour Monday of various ongoing projects in Nairobi the President said the renovations were part of plans to change the face of the city.

"Wale ambao walikuwa wanasema tumegrab Uhuru Park and Central Park wacha waone ile kazi inaendelea hapa (Those who were saying we have grabbed Uhuru Park and Central Park come to see the work we are doing),” Uhuru stated.

The President went further and explained that most of the projects in Nairobi are being done for the benefit of the Nairobi residents.

“Hii yote ni ya kuboresha Maisha ya waKenya wetu( All this is to better the lives of Kenyans so that people can be proud of  Nairobi as their city and Kenya and their country. And that is my only interest),”  Uhuru added.

In September, the County Assembly of Nairobi passed a motion compelling the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the County Executive to close the two iconic public parks decrying that they are in a deplorable state.

Nairobi Majority Leader Abdi Ibrahim Hassan 'Guyo' who moved the motion noted that the two are in a state of disrepair, and have been neglected for many years hence risking losing their appeal.

He further decried that both Uhuru and Central Parks are among the few public parks with national and historic significance that risk losing their international appeal and recognition due to neglect.

Guyo also revealed that rehabilitation of the green spaces and urban parks in Nairobi is part of President Uhuru Kenyatta's legacy project.

NMS entity led by Director General Lt. Mohammed Badi moved in and fenced both parks, making it a no go zone for the public.

Early this month, a court has stopped the ongoing renovation of Uhuru Park, dealing a blow to one of the NMS  legacy projects ahead of the end of its two-year term’s expiry in March 2022.

In the order Justice Edward Wabwoto issued, the NMS and its contractors or agents have been stopped from felling trees or carrying out any works at the park.

While ruling on an application the Communist Party of Kenya filed challenging the project, the judge found that the exercise was commissioned without authority and approval of the National Environment Management Authority (Nema).

NMS last year embarked on a journey to restore the remaining green spaces in Nairobi.

As part of the strategy to decongest Uhuru and Central parks, The NMS has identified 76.01 acres within the county that will be converted to recreational spaces.

The six targetted spaces are said to be located within the states across five selected sub-counties of Embakasi East, Kasarani, Kamukunji, Westlands and Kibera.

According to the Directorate of environment, this is also part of increasing and maintaining some city has also retained some of its natural Greenery scenery.

Edited by D Tarus