Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has clarified that Uhuru Park and Central Park are not for sale, and that the county only plans to lease parts of the parks for recreational activities to better serve the public.
Sakaja explained that City Hall intends to enhance these spaces by introducing amenities such as food stalls, bouncing castles, recreational facilities, and boat riding to make them more enjoyable for visitors.
He responded to reports that the county was selling sections of the public park for business purposes.
“Uhuru Park is not up for lease or sale. It belongs to the people of Nairobi. On a good weekend, we host between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors, and our goal is to ensure they can relax, enjoy refreshments, and engage in park-like activities,” Sakaja stated.
He emphasized that Uhuru Park remains public property and cannot be privatized.
Aerial view of the park.
The planned changes are designed to make the park a vibrant, family-friendly destination while preserving its legacy as a cherished public space in Nairobi.
“Our public spaces are invaluable, and we are committed to preserving them for future generations,” he added.
The decision to introduce these services was made during a recent Cabinet meeting, where it was agreed that such amenities are needed to bring the park in line with global standards for recreational spaces.
“Across the world, parks offer a variety of activities to enhance the visitor experience. These services have been lacking at Uhuru Park, even after its renovation,” Sakaja said.
Under the new plan, a limited number of food stalls, children’s bouncing castles, and boat riding services will be introduced. The county will collaborate with interested parties to provide these amenities while ensuring that the public interest is protected.
