Before October 2021, Uhuru Park was the Centre of various activities including crusades and public rallies.
It was also a site where people converged to start their demonstration. To many families, however, it was a resting and picnic place where they could freely interact with their children.
The park was dilapidated with potholes, litter, and pick-pocketers and was used as a meeting as well as a hiding den for muggers.
The situation turned for the better after October 2021 when the then-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services closed the park for renovations.
Prior to that in September, Nairobi County Assembly had approved a motion that proposed a facelift for Uhuru and Central Parks at the heart of the city.
Former Majority Leader Abdi Ibrahim Hassan 'Guyo' (now Isiolo Governor) who moved the motion noted that the two are in a state of disrepair, and have been neglected for many years hence risk losing their appeal.
Former President Uhuru said the renovations were part of the government’s plan to improve its people’s standard of living.
Former NMS Director General Mohamed Badi closed the park and renovated it giving it a classy, iconic look.
At the moment, despite being closed to the public, Uhuru Park boasts manicured lawns, maintained trees, enhanced walkways, and green spaces.
The former Lilies pond at the park was turned into an aquarium named Uhuru Aquascape.
There is an outdoor amphitheater fitted with an audiovisual screen
A Nyatiti-shaped events garden, as well as a children’s play area, with bouncing castles and merry-go-rounds.
The iconic Nyayo statue and Mau Mau freedom fighters monuments have been maintained.
There will be a botanical space with all species of flowers and plants to capture Kenya’s floral biodiversity, with flowers and plants labelled to enhance learning.
There are also statues that give the park an iconic look.
Here are more photos of the new Uhuru Park.