Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Saturday assured city residents that Uhuru Park would be opened by the end of March 2024.
Sakaja was forced to issue an update after a public outcry following the extended closure of the public park situated at the heart of the capital.
He explained that his administration was handling logistics to ensure that Kenyans could access the facility within the promised deadline.
“Uhuru Park is being opened very soon, latest end of this month,” Sakaja promised.
Hinting what could be causing the delay, he explained that the military contractor handling the renovation was handing over the project.
Subsequently, his office was making final payments before being given full access to the site.
On whether Kenyans would pay to access the renovated park, he stated, “It will be free to use.”
“Central Park is taking a while longer. Contracted works are yet to be completed,” he added.
Uhuru Park was closed to the public in 2022 by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) for rehabilitation. At the time, NMS Boss Mohammed Badi announced Uhuru and Central Parks would be closed simultaneously.
At the time, the Ministry of Defence was given a contract to renovate the park.
In December 2023, Sakaja momentarily opened the park for Kenyans to celebrate the holidays noting that many Kenyans were not able to travel upcountry for festivities.
In October 2023, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale speaking to the press assured the county that military contractors were finalising the rehabilitation and in due course, the national government would hand over the facility to the Nairobi County Government.
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