City Hall to lease spaces in Uhuru, Central parks to private businesses
Uhuru Park in Nairobi. Inset is Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Cabinet has approved a plan to rent and lease open green spaces at Uhuru and Central parks to private businesses under a public-private partnership.
The approval, according to the county government, is expected to generate revenue for the city and attract residents to the recreational facility.
“With increasing urban demands, innovative approaches are needed to enhance their infrastructure, attract investment, and ensure public access. The Cabinet has approved the leasing and renting of designated spaces and units within these parks, paving the way for a phased implementation that aligns with legal, environmental, and urban development goals,” read a cabinet dispatch from the county government.
Sakaja’s cabinet also defended the decision to lease the space to private businesses, insisting that it will lead to economic growth through job creation and increased private-sector participation in Nairobi.
“We expect economic growth through job creation...This initiative marks a significant step in transforming Nairobi’s green spaces into vibrant urban assets while balancing environmental and economic considerations,” the county government dispatch said.
The decision to lease the space came after a cabinet meeting chaired by Sakaja on Tuesday at City Hall. The county said the funds generated from those leasing the spaces will be used to improve the parks' amenities.
It wasn't immediately clear what criteria the county will use to assign the spaces at the two parks.
Uhuru Park recently underwent and upgrade and has reopened to the public. It is synonymous with Kenya’s quest for multiparty democracy in the 1990s and has been a popular venue for political rallies during campaigns.
Sh1 billion renovations
Both parks underwent renovation by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at a cost of Sh1.18 billion.
Uhuru Park is synonymous with Kenya’s quest for multiparty democracy in the 1990s and has been a popular venue for political rallies during campaigns.
In April, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale handed over Uhuru Park to Sakaja, but differed with him on the use of the park. CS Duale ruled out any political rallies at the parks while Mr Sakaja said the county government will decide what to do with them.
During the event, Mr Sakaja also revealed that Uhuru Park is expected to host restaurants and night clubs.
"Whoever wants to party in the park can bring it because we want to bring life back into the CBD," said Sakaja in April.
