The government has announced that the renovated Uhuru and Central Parks will be closed to political events following a memorandum of understanding between Nairobi County and the government.

Responding to questions before the Senate plenary, defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the two parks within the Central Business District (CBD) will be purely used for recreational activities.

“That park will never again be used by politicians, it’s out of bound. Those of us in political class will have to look for another park. Uhuru Park and Central Park belong to the citizens of Nairobi and other Kenyans.”

He responded to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s questions, who sought answers on completing renovation works at Uhuru Park by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Further, Duale stated that the renovation works in Uhuru Park are complete as per the contract between Nairobi County and the National Metropolitan Services (NMS).

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However, a few pending works at Central Park, including water connections and drainage works, have hindered the handover of the two parks to Nairobi County.

“The drainage works at Central Park have been pending awaiting construction of the main drain along Uhuru Highway. Discussion with KENHA have been finalized and storm water connection will be finalized soon,” Duale added.

Senator Sifuna had raised concerns on when Uhuru Park and Central Park will be handed over to the County government.

CS Duale responded to the concerns by elaborating that a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Ministry of Defence and Nairobi County on 18 April 2024, paving the way for the handing over.

The Memorandum of Understanding prescribes that the Ministry of Defence and Nairobi County will jointly manage the parks.

The rehabilitation and upgrading works of the two parks cost Kes 1.18 billion, and the Nairobi County government is consequently expected to budget and allocate funds for other proposed additional facilities.

The additional facilities, which include a Dancing Water Fountain, CCTV Installation, Pedestrian Footbridge, and additional restaurants, are set to cost Kes 550M.