President Uhuru Kenyatta has refuted claims part of Uhuru Park has been grabbed.
The commander in chief told off critics over iconic park land grabbing allegations by private developers after it was cordoned off and members of the public asked to stay away.
Speaking while inspecting the ongoing works at Nairobi Expressway, Uhuru, who was accompanied by senior government officials, assured the public the construction works at the park were aimed at giving it a facelift.
“Take pictures and show those who claimed we have grabbed land from Uhuru and Central parks the ongoing work here. This is to improve our standards of living which is our main objective,” the President said.
He said that the beautification exercise would transform Uhuru Park, into a first class recreational centre where all Kenyans from all walks of life can relax and enjoy fresh air.
“All this is because we want to better the lives of Kenyans, so that they can be proud of their city, Nairobi and also their country. That is our wish and nothing else,” he said.
According to Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), the rehabilitation of the park is set to be completed in March next year.
In September, the Nairobi County Assembly approved a motion proposing to give the grounds a facelift.
The motion prohibited city residents from accessing the two parks for at least three months, to allow the public spaces to undergo renovation.
Uhuru Park is the largest green open space and recreational park in Nairobi County, and was opened to the public in 1969 by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
