Alarm as Uhuru Park Faces Possible Land Grab

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has expressed concern about an alleged intention to carve up parts of Uthuru Park and Central and to use those areas as a means of expanding Uthuru Highway in Nairobi.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, June 2, GBM says they have been notified by their members who live near these parks that they may have acquired land for this project.

Furthermore, they state that there are sight markers in Uthuru and Central indicating that some work related to the proposed development could have already started.

The movement argued that the loss of urban green spaces would have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, climate resilience, public health and citizens’ constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

“The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has received alarming reports that portions of Uhuru Park and Central Park may be excised to facilitate the expansion of Uhuru Highway in Nairobi. We have further established that survey beacons have already been placed within sections of these public parks,” the statement said.

Green Belt Calls for Transparency and Legal Compliance

The organization reminded public authorities that both Uhuru Park and Central Park are protected public lands under Article 62(1)(l) of the Constitution and are gazetted public recreational facilities held in trust for current and future generations.

GBM maintained that any proposal to excise, alienate, reduce or alter the use of the parks must strictly comply with legal requirements, including approval by the Nairobi City County Assembly, public participation, gazettement, approval by the National Land Commission (NLC), Environmental Impact Assessment processes and licensing by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

“Any proposal to excise, alienate, reduce or change the use of these parks must strictly comply with the law, including approval by the Nairobi City County Assembly, public participation, gazettement, approval by the National Land Commission, an Environmental Impact Assessment and licensing by NEMA,” the movement stated.

Green Belt Movement called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Nairobi City County Government, the National Land Commission, NEMA, the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to publicly disclose whether any approvals, assessments, consultations, surveys or administrative processes related to the proposed acquisition have been initiated or completed.

GBM specifically asked KeNHA to clarify whether there are plans to acquire, excise, or utilize any portion of Uhuru Park or Central Park for the expansion of Uhuru Highway, the exact acreage proposed for acquisition, the legal basis for the proposal and whether environmental, social, or feasibility assessments have been conducted.

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Demands Directed at County Government and Agencies

The environmental organization further urged Nairobi City County Government to disclose whether public participation has been undertaken regarding the project, including dates, locations and records of consultations, and whether the County Assembly has considered or approved any proposal affecting the parks.

Similarly, it called on the National Land Commission to reveal whether it has received or approved any request relating to land acquisition, excision, or change of use within the parks and whether it has conducted investigations, reviews or consultations concerning the proposal.

NEMA was also urged to disclose whether any Environmental Impact Assessment study has been submitted for review and whether any environmental licences or approvals have been issued or are under consideration.

“The Constitution of Kenya is unequivocal that public participation is not optional. Decisions affecting public land and public resources must be undertaken transparently, lawfully and with the meaningful involvement of citizens,” the statement read.

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Concern Over Public Access and Historical Significance

The Green Belt Movement said it is particularly concerned because the protection of Nairobi’s public parks has historically involved significant civic activism.

The organization also noted that Uhuru Park remains an important symbol of environmental justice and democratic participation, having been preserved through campaigns led by the late Professor Wangari Maathai.

The movement also expressed concern over continued restrictions on public access to Central Park despite court orders directing that the facility be reopened to the public.

“Kenya cannot afford to lose more public parks. Instead, government agencies should be investing in their protection, restoration and expansion,” GBM said.

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A press statement issued by Greenbelt Movement on the planned acquisition of part of Uhuru Park for road expansion. PHOTO/ File