NAIROBI, Kenya — Central Park has reopened to the public nearly five years after it was closed for extensive rehabilitation, giving Nairobi residents access to one of the city’s key green spaces.
The park was closed following a September 2021 decision to undertake major renovations aimed at restoring its green spaces, walkways and recreational facilities.
The rehabilitation was intended to modernise the facility, improve safety and provide residents with an upgraded space for recreation and relaxation.
Central Park Opens to Nairobi Residents
With the reopening, residents can once again use Central Park to walk, relax, take photographs and spend time with friends and family.
The prolonged closure had raised concerns over outstanding works, project completion and the formal handover of the facility to Nairobi City County.
Recent reports indicated that disagreements over the completion and handover of the project had contributed to the delay.
The Ministry of Defence had previously said the project was still awaiting completion of outstanding works before formal handover, while the county had cited issues surrounding the delayed return of the facility.
Sakaja: Park Belongs to Nairobians
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the reopening marked the return of an important public space to city residents.
“Central Park belongs to the people of Nairobi. For too long, Nairobians were unable to enjoy this important green space, and today we are restoring it to its rightful owners, the people.”
Sakaja said the county would continue working to ensure public spaces across Nairobi are accessible, safe, clean and properly maintained.
“We are bringing Nairobi’s public spaces back to life. Uhuru Park is open, Central Park is now open, and our work does not stop here,” he said.
The governor said the county wanted Nairobi to have safe and dignified spaces where families could relax, walk and enjoy the city’s environment.
County Steps Up Public Space Reforms
The reopening is part of Sakaja’s wider push to restore and improve Nairobi’s public spaces.
Uhuru Park was handed back to Nairobi City County in April 2024 after rehabilitation works, with the county subsequently opening the facility to the public.
The county has also said it plans to rehabilitate other public recreational facilities as part of efforts to expand access to green spaces across the capital.
Green Nairobi Unit Welcomes Reopening
Green Nairobi County Executive Committee Member Maureen Njeri said the reopening was an important step in expanding residents’ access to quality recreational facilities.
“The reopening of Central Park is a significant moment for Nairobi. We have worked to restore this space so that residents can once again enjoy its greenery, walkways and recreational facilities in a safe and welcoming environment.”
Njeri said the county would now focus on maintaining the park and protecting the improvements made during the rehabilitation.
She urged Nairobi residents to take ownership of the facility by keeping it clean and respecting the park’s infrastructure.
“Our responsibility now is to protect and maintain this park,” she said.
Central Park Back in Nairobi CBD
Central Park is located next to Uhuru Park in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District and serves as an important recreational space for city residents and visitors.
Its reopening comes as the county intensifies efforts to improve the appearance and functionality of Nairobi’s public spaces.
The county has also been pursuing other urban improvement projects, including market modernisation and beautification initiatives across the capital. Recent county projects include the modernisation of 20 markets across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties.
With Central Park now open, the county says its focus will shift to ensuring the facility remains clean, safe and properly maintained for current and future generations.
