Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has
announced that City Park has officially been handed back to the county
government from the Kenya Forest Service, in a move aimed at improving
access to green spaces for city residents.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Wednesday, Governor Sakaja said the transition
followed a meeting with Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
“City Park is now back under the
county government. We had a meeting with the Head of Public Service, and the
decision has been implemented. Nairobi needs green parks—spaces where people
can relax and unwind. These areas are essential,” he said.
The governor also outlined ongoing
and upcoming initiatives to develop and rehabilitate public parks and
playgrounds across the county.
Among them is the planned
development of Wangari Maathai Park in Westlands, named after the late Nobel
Laureate and environmental champion.
“It will be a beautiful green park,
and we have partnered with the private sector to bring it to life,” Sakaja
said.
He also confirmed the revival of a
previously stalled project to establish a green park along Thika Road, near the
TRM roundabout.
“We tried earlier, but faced some
objections. That is now been resolved, and we’re ready to move forward with
creating a public space there,” he added.
Beyond parks, the county is also
focused on developing playgrounds within residential estates, supported through
public-private partnerships.
In
December 2024, Sakaja approved key measures to
enhance the utilisation of Uhuru and Central Parks, aiming to transform iconic
green spaces into vibrant urban assets.
The plan sought to promote
sustainable revenue generation while ensuring environmental preservation and
public access.
“The new resolutions include leasing and
renting designated spaces within the parks to attract private investment and improve
facilities for park users,” Sakaja said.
The measures were part of a phased
implementation plan aligned with legal, environmental and urban development
goals.
“This will help establish
sustainable income streams to fund park maintenance and development,” he
said.
“It will also enhance public
amenities by introducing recreational facilities, eateries, and event spaces
for public enjoyment.”
Sakaja further emphasised the
importance of encouraging private-sector investment to upgrade park
infrastructure while implementing leasing frameworks that prioritise ecological
conservation.
“This initiative allows others to
invest in the facility, earn a living, and, at the same time, generate revenue
for the county, ensuring visitors enjoy better services,” Sakaja said.
Uhuru and Central Parks have long
been central to Nairobi’s identity, serving as vital recreational and
environmental resources.