Hundreds flock Uhuru Park to celebrate Christmas

 

Nairobi’s Uhuru Park witnessed an influx of celebrants on Monday, December 25, as Kenyans converged to commemorate Christmas.

The park, currently undergoing renovations, opened its gates to residents who opted to stay in the city for the holidays.

Established in 2022 during the tenure of the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS), Uhuru Park has undergone significant refurbishments, overseen by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Responding to a request from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, the KDF facilitated access to the park for the festive season.

Governor Sakaja expressed gratitude for the decision to open the park during Christmas, Boxing Day, and the New Year celebrations.

He emphasised that this move aimed to provide residents with an opportunity to appreciate the ongoing improvements and enjoy the serene environment within the park.

“Members of the public and their families can now conduct leisure walks within the park as well as sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Uhuru Park will be able to provide visitors with intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits,” Sakaja stated.

Residents are currently relishing various amenities within the revamped Uhuru Park.

Notable features accessible to the public include iconic monuments paying homage to Mau Mau freedom fighters, the Pope, and themes of peace, love, and unity.

Additionally, a more defined Freedom Corner has been established in memory of the late Professor Wangari Maathai.

The park’s recent opening coincided with the second edition of the Nairobi Festival, further solidifying its role as a central space for cultural and recreational activities in the heart of Nairobi.

As the year draws to a close, Uhuru Park stands not just as a site of historical significance but as a vibrant space for communal celebrations and reflections.

By Kevin Cheruiyot