By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) is finally ready to hand over Uhuru Park back to the Nairobi City County.
The military has been renovating the park for the last over three years.
However, the renovations had taken longer than expected, sparking and uproar from a section of leaders.
A few months ago, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna demanded for answers on why turn park was still closed yet it had been reported that renovations work were complete.
The park was later opened to the public but was still under the hands of the KDF.
On Wednesday, Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said they will be officially handing over the park to the county on Thursday.
“I’m handing over Uhuru Park to Nairobi County Gov’t tomorrow morning at 9am, running parks is not our core mandate. However, the ministry has been allowing the public to use this facility on occasions and functions,” the CS said during a question-and-answer-session at the Senate.
However, he said going forward, no political rally will be allowed at the Uhuru Park.
The park has been a key political ground during major rallies especially during the campaign period.
“Uhuru Park will never be used by politicians to address rallies. The park belongs to Nairobians and other Kenyans. So during the weekend, when they want to enjoy themselves, they hage a choice between going to a mall or a park,” Duale said.
However, he said the park was not yet fully complete as a few components had not been done.
“Yes they are practically complete, as per the contract. However, we have less than 8% of pending works; Water connection and drainage works,” the CS said in response to a question from Senator Sifuna.