By Lauryne Akoth
Senator Edwin Sifuna has penned a letter to Honorable Sakaja Johnson and Honorable Aden Duale urging the reconsideration of the closure of Uhuru Park.
Sharing via his X page, Edwin Sifuna demanded the re-opening of the facility, highlighting the grievances and disruptions faced by the residents of Nairobi following its closure.
The senator noted that rehabilitation works in the park are said to have been completed as of October last year. In his correspondence dated 17th February 2024, the senator said, ” At a meeting held between the Nairobi Governor, myself, and the KDF personnel in charge of the refurbishment held at Uhuru park held on 13th October 2023 at the facility, it was confirmed that indeed all works had been completed and that the facility would be open to the public in December 2023.”
The senator further added that owing to the numerous complaints reaching his office, Governor Sakaja and Aden Duale should confirm four key issues.
They include confirmation on whether works are still ongoing at the facility, whether Uhuru Park has officially been handed back to the county government, if not, the underlying reasons causing the delay of resumption of activities at the park, and lastly, when Nairobi residents can expect to resume use of the park.
Uhuru Park and Central Park were closed to the public in February 2022 by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services for purposes of rehabilitation.
Aden Duale and Johnson Sakaja toured the park last year. Duale announced that the park will be handed over to the Nairobi County government in time for the Nairobi Festival week which was to be held from December 11 to December 16, 2023.
Nairobi news quoted Aden Duale saying, “Except for a few final touches, the facility is ready for handover to the County Government of Nairobi and ready for the citizens to enjoy its modern amenities.”
The park has since been opened for two editions of the Nairobi festival but is yet to be officially open to the public for use.
Senator Sifuna has urged the governor of Nairobi, Sakaja Johnson to act swiftly on this matter.