[PHOTOS] Uhuru Park's closure breaks city's Christmas tradition

For more than three decades, Uhuru Gardens has been the venue for Nairobians who could not travel to their rural homes to celebrate Christmas day.

The recreational facility hosted thousands of families who decided to spend the day in the city.

However, this year the ‘culture’ has been broken as Uhuru Park has had its doors closed and fenced all around with blue metallic iron sheets.

This means that Nairobi residents will have to look at other alternatives ‘relaxing places' with the park being closed.

Unlike in the past, there are no visible park facilities, bouncing castles and even camels that gave children rides across the park.

Boat riding was also one of the unique features at Uhuru Park but this year it will be a no-go zone.

Traders especially food vendors also used to take advantage and sell their products and other merchandise to Nairobi to residents who were relaxing at the park.

But this year things are different.

For almost two months, the iconic Uhuru and Central parks have been a no-go zone as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has been working to rehabilitate the place.

For almost two months, the iconic Uhuru and Central parks have been a no-go zone as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has been working to rehabilitate the place.

In September, Nairobi County Assembly approved a motion that proposed a facelift for Uhuru and Central Parks at the heart of the city.

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.

The move prohibited city residents from accessing the two parks for at least three months to allow the public spaces to undergo renovation.

Last Wednesday, President Uhuru defended the renovations saying it was part of the government’s plan to improve its people’s standard of living.

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.

Edited by D Tarus