• In February, a Nile crocodile was sighted on the banks of the Nairobi River at the Michuki Memorial Park.
• Described as friendly, well-nourished on mud fish.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA:
The latest attraction at Michuki park is a six-foot-long Nile crocodile and her two young crocs.
“The crocodile is very friendly and eats mudfish,” city principal chief Julius Wanjau said. "It creates scenery."
Its area of movement is between Hotel Boulevard and near the Globe Roundabout as the area is filthy. You might meet her.
No one seems to know exactly where the reptiles came from.
Never smile at a crocodile/No you can't get friendly with a crocodile/Don't be taken in by his welcoming grin/He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin.Copyright Walt Disney
KWS says it was washed downstream during heavy rains. The National Museums of Kenya says the reptiles are not theirs and staff did not introduce them to balance the ecosystem.
Do visitors feel safe?
There was no word on any plans to relocate the reptiles. The KWS communications officer was noncommittal.
On Monday, the Star toured the park, hoping for a glimpse of the crocodile said to be about 10 years old.
There's an old 1939 song: "Never smile at a crocodile/No you can't get friendly by a crocodile/Don't be taken in by his welcome grin/He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin."
Kenya Forest Service ecosystem conservator Margaret Wanjiru said the reptile was washed downstream during a downpour.
“It came with the water around October last year and settled at the park,” she said. KFS manages Michuki Park, which was reclaimed from piles of rubbish as the river was cleaned.
All wildlife is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
"Wildlife whether in forests or parks belongs to KWS," acting head of corporate communications Paul Jinaro said.
Michuki Memorial Park is being managed by KFS.
City principal chief Julius Wanjau said the crocodiles are a mother and two juveniles and their origins are unknown.
Wanjau said ducks have also been attracted to the park, which no doubt please the crocodiles.
The National Museums of Kenya said they can account for all their crocodiles and the big one in the park did not come from them.
Dr Patrick Malonza, senior research scientist and head of herpetology section at NMK, said the crocodile probably came from another area.
Michuki Park is also teeming with different species of birds.
In February, Nature Kenya reported the sighting a Nile crocodile on the banks of the Nairobi River at Michuki Memorial Park.
It said its news was greeted with interest, fear and skepticism.
“Guess what? Our reptile friend is still around, at the very same spot!”
Nature Kenya said it stumbled on the crocodile basking in the sun and said it appears to be well-nourished.
Formerly, Mazingira Park, Michuki Parks cover 26 acres.
John Michuki (deceased), former Minister of the Environment, created the park in 2008 by clearing a vast dumpsite.
Solid and liquid waste have been a major challenge as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services has been grappling with cleaning the Nairobi Basin.
A walking bridge was built across the river and a forest planted.
In 2009, Michuki was internationally recognised for reclaiming the Nairobi River that had been choking with human and industrial waste.
Then it was neglected and became a hideout for thieves, dogs and street children. It was dangerous and filled with garbage. Tons of waste were removed.
The park has been rehabilitated to create urban green spaces to sequester carbon and provide a place for relaxation and recreation.
It is a joint project of the Environment Ministry, KFS and the National Environment Management Authority. Nairobi Metropolitan Services and National Museums of Kenya joined in.
President Uhuru Kenyatta opened the rehabilitated park on August 14, 2020.
(Edited by V. Graham)