Event organisers should not restrict public parks from general use, particularly during public holidays, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced.
According to the governor, the guidelines followed public interest to use the park during holidays, noting that his administration emphasised inclusivity over exclusivity.
"A public park is not available to be reserved for exclusive use during a public holiday. Other Kenyans will also want to enjoy. There's no need for you to come and ask for permission when you want to use the park, come and fill it," Sakaja stated.
The policy was visibly at work on Christmas Day as the park remained accessible to everyone, reinforcing its identity as a people's park, as thousands of Nairobi residents streamed in to enjoy the open green space at the heart of the capital.
The city boss noted that the park, which has been inaccessible for too long during public holidays, was now open for all Kenyans to gather without limitations.
"Uhuru Park has been open and remains open to the public every day. Every Kenyan is allowed to come and is welcome to enjoy the park," he noted.
He also noted that investing in and safeguarding the parks translates to investment in mental health, family life, social cohesion, and the soul of the city, insisting that the parks must work for the public.
Previous closures were necessitated by vandalism during protests, emphasising the ongoing cost of repairing key features.
The move, especially during the Christmas holiday, offered affordable recreation for low-income families who were looking forward to enjoying.
With the park now open to the public during public holidays, residents are expected to benefit from the move. It will boost local businesses as food vendors and photographers are expected to benefit from the high visitor turnout.
Despite the move being seen as a better move to accommodate everyone during holidays, it also has some adverse effects on the environment and infrastructure.
The park often draws massive crowds that usually lead to littering of food waste, which can compromise park hygiene.
