For sometime, one of Nairobi’s most familiar public spaces stood behind closed gates. Yesterday, those gates opened again, giving Nairobians access to Central Park after a major rehabilitation that has transformed its green spaces, walkways and recreational areas.
Central Park was closed to facilitate extensive rehabilitation after its facilities deteriorated over time.
The objective was to modernise the park, improve safety and recreational amenities, and restore the iconic public space to a standard befitting a growing capital city. Its prolonged closure was later linked to outstanding works, questions around project completion and payments, and the formal handover of the facility to Nairobi City County, delaying its full return to public use.
The reopening is part of Governor Johnson Sakaja’s push to revive Nairobi’s public spaces.
Following the transformation and reopening of Uhuru Park, Central Park is now back in the hands of the public offering residents a place to walk, relax, meet friends, take photographs and enjoy green space in the heart of the CBD.
“Central Park belongs to the people of Nairobi. For too long, Nairobians were unable to enjoy this important green space, and today we are restoring it to its rightful owners the people. Our commitment is to ensure that our public spaces are accessible, safe, clean and properly maintained,” Sakaja said.
He said the reopening of Central Park demonstrates the County Government’s determination to reclaim and revitalise public spaces across the city.
“We are bringing Nairobi’s public spaces back to life. Uhuru Park is open, Central Park is now open, and our work does not stop here. We want a city where families can find safe and dignified spaces to relax, walk, play and enjoy the beauty of Nairobi,” Sakaja said.
Green Nairobi CECM Maureen Njeri said the reopening marks an important milestone in the County Government’s efforts to expand access to quality recreational and green spaces.
“The reopening of Central Park is a significant moment for Nairobi. We have worked to restore this space so that residents can once again enjoy its greenery, walkways and recreational facilities in a safe and welcoming environment,” Njeri said.
She said the County Government would focus on maintaining the park to ensure that the improvements are sustained and that Nairobians continue to enjoy the facility.
“Our responsibility now is to protect and maintain this park. We are calling on Nairobians to take ownership of Central Park, keep it clean and respect the facilities so that generations to come can continue to enjoy this important public space,” Njeri said.
With both Central Park and Uhuru Park open, the County Government says the focus remains on ensuring that Nairobians have safe, clean and well-maintained spaces to walk, play, spend time with family and simply breathe amid the bustle of the city.
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