No One Has Grabbed Uhuru Park, President Uhuru Assures Kenyans

President Kenyatta has dismissed claims that the iconic Uhuru Park in Nairobi has been grabbed by private developers.

There was a public outcry after the recreational park was sealed off in October to pave the way for renovation.

Speaking on Thursday during an inspection tour of the Nairobi Expressway, President Kenyatta allayed fears that the park had been grabbed, saying the ongoing construction works are meant to give the facility a facelift.

The president challenged journalists present during the tour to capture the construction works and relay the information to Kenyans for purposes of transparency.

He indicated that the park’s facelift is part of the government’s efforts to transform Nairobi into a world class city.

“The difference that is being occasioned by the road building, by the drainage and sewage being put in, I do believe that within another two years, Nairobi will be a truly 21st century city, catering for its population in a positive manner and in a manner befitting our people,” he said.

“Na hii yote ni kuboresha maisha ya Wakenya wetu, wawe wanaweza kujivunia mji wao wa Nairobi, wawe wanaweza kujivunia nchi yao Kenya. Na hiyo ndiyo haja yetu, sisi hatuna haja ingine.”

In September, the Nairobi County Assembly passed a motion to rehabilitate Uhuru and Central parks, saying that they were in a deplorable state.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) says it is transforming Uhuru Park into a modern recreation center with flowers and waterfronts, purely for the public good.

Earlier this month, the Environment and Lands Court issued orders stopping the constructions works at Uhuru Park pending hearing and determination of a petition challenging the exercise.

The petitioner, the Communist Party of Kenya argues that no public participation or environment impact assessment was done before the renovations commenced.

The party also accuses the respondents; Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the County Assembly of Nairobi of destroying the flora and fauna at the park by cutting down trees.