In 1948 the Master Plan for Nairobi City stated that 24.96 square kilometres was allocated to public spaces. This amounted to approximately 27% of Nairobi total land area. Around this time, the designated area for firewood for the steam generated engine trains was reconsidered as a public park and forest within the city – the Nairobi Arboretum. Before this Master Plan, Alibhai Mullah Jeevanjee had constructed a garden in the middle of the growing city for Nairobi residents to relax – the Jeevanjee Gardens. There was the Nairobi Forest Reserve and Municipal Forest that took on the name City Park in 1923. And Mitchell Park Showground would in a few years become Jamhuri Park. The park that came with the dawn of Kenya’s independence was adjacent to the major roads leading into the city centre with views of the buildings that increased in storeys in the years that followed. The park was named Uhuru Park.
Uhuru Park was opened to the public by Jomo Kenyatta in 1969 and boasted of a recreational garden, walkways and a peaceful artificial lake that would work wonders in inviting Nairobians from around the city to come and enjoy peace amidst the city’s every-day, every-moment commotion. The interesting fact about this lake is that it wasn’t given a name, but was the first (and is still the only) lake within Nairobi’s CBD area.
The park soon became a subtle version of an amusement park with a few rides such as the famous peddle boats that are still accessible to date.
Over time, monuments were put up and Uhuru Park even became a site for protesters to convene. One memorable protest was led by the late Wangari Maathai against former President Moi’s political party. KANU, the political party had planned and announced the construction of a 62-storey headquarters on the park. Owing to the reason for the park’s opening, Wangari led a team of angry but brave protesters to stand in the way of the development. It was evidently a success as Uhuru Park – with its activities and beautiful lake – still stands. Maintained by the Nairobi City County, this lake is one that adds a token of vibrancy to County 047.