For more than three decades, Uhuru Park 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, owing to the harsh economic realities caused by Covid-19 pandemic, and before that they also thronged he park for a day of fun.
It hosted a variety of activities, especially for children, ranging from boat rides, horse riding, face-painting, and other entertainment.
The bouncing castle section was always surrounded by a queue of parents with their children.
Uhuru Park was also perfect venue to be for those who wanted a place to start the New Year.
Police officers from the General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit were also deployed in and around the parks until the festive season ends.
Now both dilapidated perks are closed for renovations.
Last year with the coronavirus pandemic, residents still made their way to Uhuru Park with many observing the Covid-19 containment measures, including making, washing their hands and avoiding big crowds.
However, this year's festivities have abruptly ended as the parks have been closed and fenced all around with blue iron sheets.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is changing the people's park to a memorial park with a museum, hotel, shopping mall, supermarket and conference centre.
Nairobi residents had to look for other relaxing places.
No park facilities, bouncing castles or camels to give children rides
It's another piece of the President' people-centred legacy.
No more boat rides.
Boat riding was also one of the unique features at Uhuru Park but this year it was a no-go zone.
Gone are the traders, especially food vendors, who don't add to the aesthetics sell snacks.
For almost two months, the iconic Uhuru and Central Parks have been a no-go zone as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services has been working to upgrade them into showplaces.
In September, Nairobi County Assembly approved a motion for a facelift for Uhuru and Central Parks in the heart of the city.
Majority leader Abdi Ibrahim Hassan 'Guyo' saidthe two are in a state of disrepair, and have been neglected for many years, hence, losing their appeal.
He said bothUhuru and Central Parks are among the few public parks with national and historic significance that risk losing their international appeal due to neglect.
Guyo said rehabilitation of the green spaces and urban parks in Nairobi is part of President Kenyatta's legacy.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru defended the renovations saying they will improve the 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 should come to see the work we are doing),” Uhuru said
The President said most projects in Nairobi are 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.
(Edited by V. Graham)
