[PHOTOS] Iconic Uhuru Park! Uhuru, NMS legacy lives on

The defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services renovated the park.

In Summary
  • The former Lilies pond at the park was turned into an aquarium named Uhuru Aquascape.
  • Former President Uhuru said the renovations were part of the government’s plan to improve its people’s standard of living.
Gazelle-like statues at the lanes of Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
Gazelle-like statues at the lanes of Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI

Before October 2021, Uhuru Park was the Centre of various activities including crusades and public rallies.

It was also a site where people converged to start their demonstration. To many families, however, it was a resting and picnic place where they could freely interact with their children.

The park was dilapidated with potholes, litter, and pick-pocketers and was used as a meeting as well as a hiding den for muggers.

The situation turned for the better after October 2021 when the then-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services closed the park for renovations.

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

Former Majority Leader Abdi Ibrahim Hassan 'Guyo' (now Isiolo Governor) who moved the motion noted that the two are in a state of disrepair, and have been neglected for many years hence risk losing their appeal.

Former President Uhuru said the renovations were part of the government’s plan to improve its people’s standard of living.

Former NMS Director General Mohamed Badi closed the park and renovated it giving it a classy, iconic look.

Sitting areas strategically placed at the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
Sitting areas strategically placed at the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
A bus struck with grafitti of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta placed at the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
A bus struck with grafitti of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta placed at the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
A pond located at the centre of the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
A pond located at the centre of the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
Decorative structures at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
Decorative structures at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI

At the moment, despite being closed to the public, Uhuru Park boasts manicured lawns, maintained trees, enhanced walkways, and green spaces.

The former Lilies pond at the park was turned into an aquarium named Uhuru Aquascape.

There is  an outdoor amphitheater fitted with an audiovisual screen

A Nyatiti-shaped events garden, as well as a children’s play area, with bouncing castles and merry-go-rounds.

The iconic Nyayo statue and Mau Mau freedom fighters monuments have been maintained. 

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

There are also statues that give the park an iconic look.

Here are more photos of the new Uhuru Park.

A walk way with semi- circular sing like decoration at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
A walk way with semi- circular sing like decoration at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
An aeroplane model placed at the center of the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
An aeroplane model placed at the center of the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
A sitting bench with a graffiti of the late Wangari Maathai at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
A sitting bench with a graffiti of the late Wangari Maathai at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
Image: TEDDY MULEI
An aeroplane model placed at the center of the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
An aeroplane model placed at the center of the revamped Uhuru Park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
An aeroplane model placed at the center of the revamped Uhuru Park. September 11, 2023
An aeroplane model placed at the center of the revamped Uhuru Park. September 11, 2023
Image: TEDDY MULEI
A walk way with semi- circular sing like decoration at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
A walk way with semi- circular sing like decoration at the newly renovated Uhuru park on September 11, 2023.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
WATCH: The latest videos from the Star