Jeevanjee Gardens: Where all have a resting place

Open for free to the public, Jeevanjee Gardens has for decades been an ideal recreational park for most Nairobi residents seeking a shade and peace of mind in the midst of hustle and bustle of the city life.

Being accessible from Moi Avenue, Monrovia Street, Muindi Mbingu Street or Moktar Daddah Street, the park attracts people of all walks of life who relax on its benches and lawns.

It is an ideal location and has nice artistic benches and sculptures that add to its appeal.

Some stroll around the Gardens while others opt to sleep or listen to preachers.

The park has also, for a long time, been home to Bunge la Wananchi. This ‘people’s parliament’ is a collection of socio-political activists who meet to engage in informal debates on issues of the day.

At some point they used to be aired on TV.

Donated to the residents of Nairobi in 1906 by Alibhai Mullah Jeevanjee, the five-acre recreational park’s existence has not been beautiful like the recently rehabilitated walkways.

There have been attempts to develop it by constructing modern, multistorey buildings were opposed abrasively.

It is the only park in the city that is directly owned by the people, having been donated to the poor people of the city as a resting place. Those who cannot afford to sit in a restaurant, order for a drink as they wait for someone are able to walk into the park and sit, lie down or sleep.

A statue of Queen Victoria unveiled by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught on March 17, 1906 has been vandalised.

However, the one of Jeevanjee, an Asian-born Kenyan entrepreneur, still stands strong although it would do with some rehabilitation.

The park has public toilets in which users are charged a small fee. And since smoking in public places is prohibited, smokers can enjoy a puff at designated smoking zones.

On the downside though, litter and street children can be a bother to those trying to enjoy a peaceful moment.