Concerns over the delayed reopening of Central Park as Sakaja, KDF differ

Concern has emerged over the prolonged delay in reopening Nairobi Central Park, almost four years after it was closed for renovation.

The continued closure has caused Kenyans on social media to question Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja's priorities, blaming him for the situation.

Uhuru Park was officially reopened on March 30, 2024 after the renovation.

“Painful reminder that four years into his tenure, @SakajaJohnson has refused to open Central Park to the public. He opened Uhuru Park after pressure but kept this one closed to date. Nairobians need their green spaces back,” posted an X user by the username Clayc on July 5, 2026.

It is this post that prompted the county to explain why Central Park has not been opened yet after renovation by the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) in collaboration with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The rehabilitation project, which began in September 2021, aimed to transform the 20-acre recreational space with modern amenities such as skating parks, botanical trails, and outdoor libraries.

In response, Sakaja blamed the Department of Defence (DoD) for the failure to hand over the park to the county. “This has not yet been handed back to the County Government by DoD due to a pending bill incurred during NMS. I want it open, and it will be opened. I agree with you that Nairobians need their green spaces. We shall keep pushing for the debts to be settled for Central Park to be open,” said Sakaja without mentioning how much they owe to DoD.

In December 2024, Environment and Land Court Judge Anne Omollo granted temporary orders directing Nairobi County Government to reopen the park to the public.

The decision was made after the environmental advocacy group Green Belt Movement (GBM) filed a legal case against the prolonged closure.

The matter was to remain under the court's directive until the full hearing on February 17, 2025. However, almost four years later, the park has not been

opened to the public.

On Clayc’s post, one Gichohi Waweru also responded, saying they are in court on behalf of the Green Belt Movement, representing Nairobians and the people of Kenya.

“The Court on December 16, 2024, gave orders for the immediate opening of the park that the county has never complied with. We took out contempt against them and still, nothing,” he posted.

 “The matter was coming up for highlighting of submissions on 20th May 2026, but the court did not sit. We are waiting for the same again on 29.07.2026, and probably a judgment before the case does its second anniversary in court on 4th October, when it was filed, in 2024.”

Central Park is situated behind Nairobi Serena Hotel and adjacent to the famous Uhuru Park. It is a popular picnic spot and boasts a children’s playground.

When we contacted the Ministry of Defence(MoD) denied having a financial dispute with the county, as alleged by Governor Sakaja. “The project has not yet been handed over as the contractor is finalising the remaining works. Overall implementation currently stands approximately 87 per cent complete, with electrical and mechanical installations still underway,” said the response from the Strategic Communications at the Defence Headquarters.

 “We wish to clarify that the project has not been delayed due to any financial dispute. MoD remains committed to ensuring that all outstanding works are completed in accordance with the approved specifications and the required quality standards before the project is formally handed over.”

Our attempts to get a comment from Sakaja after the response from MoD were futile.