World bank has aided in the renovation of the controversial Muliro Gardens in Kakamega county.
The gardens, which have previously been used by area residents for sexual escapades, are set to be re-opened after undergoing a Ksh61 million facelift funded by the World Bank.
Robert Makhanu, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Land, Housing, Urban Areas and Physical Planning stated that the renovated garden will be under 24-hour surveillance by county askaris.
“We have already given the contract for casting a golden statue of Masinde Muliro and its pedestal is ready,” Makhanu stated.
He added that religious and political gatherings would not be held at the gardens.
"Those coming from ceremonies like weddings, university graduations and those celebrating their birthdays will only be allowed for brief photo shoots in the gardens," he stated.
Only upon approval by the gardens' management committee, will meetings of people between five and ten be permitted.
Further, Makhanu stated that there would be no vehicles parked in the gardens adding that the management was also in the process of building an eco-toilet and a cafeteria.
"This is to keep unscrupulous businessmen at bay,” he concluded.
Previously, exploitative businessmen would use street urchins to collect between Ksh 50 and Ksh 250 from couples who wanted to engage in sex sessions in the gardens.
The gardens sparked criticism from a section of Kenyans in 2011 after photos of couples in the park went viral.
