[PHOTS] Sneak peak into ongoing Central Park renovations

Thirteen months ago Central and Uhuru parks were closed for renovations by the now moribund Nairobi Metropolitan Services.

MPs went ahead and allocated Sh1 billion for the renovations.

Using its contractors, NMS renovated Uhuru and Central parks into a world-class modern look for recreational purposes.

The parks were outdated and renovations ought to have been done 20 years ago.

Once opened after renovations, Central Park will have an outdoor library for use by children to read and it will also be used for book launches.

Basic amenities at both parks were built in the 1960s and 80s. The population then was less than one million. However, Nairobi has more than four million residents.

Uhuru Park will have manicured lawns, maintained trees, enhanced walkways and green spaces.

The lilies pond at the park will be turned into an aquarium named Uhuru Aquascape.

A larger artificial lake will be transformed into a major waterfront with a Swahili restaurant.

There will be an outdoor amphitheatre fitted with an audiovisual screen, a Nyatiti-shaped events garden, and a children’s play area complete with bouncing castles and merry-go-rounds.

The iconic Nyayo statue and Mau Mau freedom fighters' monuments will be maintained.

There will be a botanical space with all species of flowers and plants to capture Kenya’s floral biodiversity. Flowers and plants are labelled to enhance learning.

Management offices, event spaces, ablution facilities, physical exercise spaces and touristic features and attractions will be available.