KeIndependence Monument
Uhuru Gardens is more than a public recreational space, this iconic memorial park is where 40,000 Kenyans gathered on 12th December 1963. On this night the Kenyan flag was first raised at midnight as Kenyans ushered in ‘uhuru’ – freedom from colonial rule – our newly gained independence. One can only imagine the palpable emotions of the crowd on that special night, while the crisp night air buzzed with the call of a new era. We imagine the joy as people hitherto treated as second class citizens embraced each other as ululations and tears of joy followed. A blank canvas of possibility stretched out before their mind’s eye, as traditional dancers beat their drums for all to hear and fireworks blasted, illuminating the night sky. It is here that a new dawn for a self-governing Kenya was physically birthed.
Today a mugumo tree stands on the exact site where the Union Jack flag (that of the colony) was lowered for the last time and the Kenyan flag was proudly hoisted to dance with the wind. In 1966, Uhuru Gardens was officially gazetted as a National Monument by the Monuments and Antiquities Act and stands as a physical reminder of our freedom. Today it’s a recreational site where both groups and individuals can be found, some with Bibles in hand, sometimes groaning and travailing in prayer. Others use the park to catch a nap under the hot sun, lying on the well-kept grass to observe the activity in the skies as planes from the neighbouring Wilson airport take-off and land. Children squeal in joy as they chase each other between the legs of the Independence Day monument.
Standing at 24-metres is a towering column situated in the middle of the park and was unveiled on December 10th 1983 at an emotional ceremony to mark 20 years of independence. Underneath the column is a pair of marble hands, which symbolise the Nyayo philosophy of ‘Peace, Love and Unity’. To the right of the column, a woman and three men carved out of bronze raise the Kenyan flag in the spirit of togetherness.
Adjacent to this is the statue of a man who stands in front of the Kenya Coat of Arms ready to protect our interests and resources. A fountain was also put up to commemorate a quarter-century of independence. These are important markers that stand to remind us of the journey towards being the nation we are today.
Located along on Lang’ata road in the capital city, this park is a symbolic treasure of the nation. A lush space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This Jamhuri season, consider taking some time out of your day to go have a picnic with your friends and family while you revel in the abundance of history within this Kenyan gem, and if you’ve been there before we’d love to see a photo of you and your people enjoying a Jamhuri moment!
